[The connection between the intima-media-complex and atherosclerosis]

In atherosclerosis several years will pass from development of the first fatty streaks to the first clinical event. In epidemiological investigations of atherosclerosis it is therefore desirable to have a valid method for detecting atherosclerosis in the earliest stages, which is harmless and can be performed repeatedly without risks in the healthy volunteer. Measuring the intima-media-complex (IMT) using ultrasound constitutes such a method. Results from international research are reviewed and it is concluded that the method should be applied in Denmark in atherosclerosis research.