| This PhD-project focuses on (i) carotid artery atherosclerosis and (ii) peripheral arterial disease as early manifestations of atherosclerotic vascular processes that predict the onset of ischaemic heart disease. Both manifestations of atherosclerotic vascular disease represent sensitive markers of systemic atherosclerotic disease that leads to an increased risk of stroke, MI, and cardiovascular death. Factors associated with patient-based outcomes in these manifestations are not fully understood; i.e., indices of severity of peripheral arterial disease (e.g. Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index) are poor predictors of these clinical outcomes. Preliminary evidence suggests that chronic and episodic psychological risk factors may be associated with an inadequate response to invasive/medical treatment in patients with for example peripheral arterial disease. Hence, this project aims to study progression of subclinical atherosclerosis as a function of chronic (e.g. personality) and episodic (e.g. depression) psychological risk factors. |
