Coronary tortuosity is negatively correlated with coronary atherosclerosis

Objective The impact of coronary tortuosity on coronary atherosclerosis remains unclear. This study was performed to determine to the relationship between coronary tortuosity and the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. Methods Tortuosity and the presence of coronary atherosclerosis in the main coronary arteries were evaluated. The coronary artery was divided into non-tortuous and tortuous segments. The incidence of coronary atherosclerosis between the two segments was compared. Results The prevalence of coronary atherosclerotic stenosis was significantly lower in the tortuous than non-tortuous segment. Conclusion The prevalence of coronary atherosclerotic stenosis is lower in the coronary tortuous than non-tortuous segment, indicating that coronary tortuosity might be considered a protective factor for atherosclerosis.