Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Intimal-medial thickness of the common carotid arteries and lower limbs atherosclerosis in the elderly

F Mattace Raso1, M Rosato, A Talerico

  • 1Chair of Geriatric Medicine, University of Catanzaro.

Minerva Cardioangiologica
|February 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Intimal-media thickness of the common carotid arteries is linked to lower limb atherosclerosis in elderly patients. This measurement can help identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Investigating the link between carotid artery intimal-media thickness (IMT) and lower limb atherosclerosis in the elderly.
  • Examining the role of cardiovascular risk factors in this association.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if increased common carotid artery IMT is associated with lower limb atherosclerosis.
  • To assess the utility of IMT as a marker for generalized atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

  • B-mode ultrasound was used to measure common carotid artery IMT in 80 elderly subjects.
  • Lower limb atherosclerosis was identified by intermittent claudication and/or ankle-arm index < 0.9.
  • Linear regression analysis evaluated the relationship between IMT and lower limb atherosclerosis, considering cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant association was found between increased common carotid artery IMT and lower limb atherosclerosis.
  • The majority of subjects (80%) had one or more cardiovascular risk factors.
  • The study highlights the prevalence of risk factors in this elderly cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Common carotid artery IMT serves as a marker for generalized atherosclerosis.
  • IMT measurement can aid in identifying elderly individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases, even in early stages.
  • This finding supports the use of IMT in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...