Age-adjusted reference limits for carotid intima-media thickness as better indicator of vascular risk:
A Tosetto1, P Prati, C Baracchini
1Department of Hematology, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
Background:
An increase of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been demonstrated to be associated in many studies with the subsequent risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular events, but the threshold level of CIMT for an increased risk at different ages remains uncertain.
Objectives:
We aimed at establishing optimal reference limits associated with a definite increased vascular risk in the general population.
Methods:
A cohort of 2580 subjects was enrolled in a population-based cross-sectional survey. CIMT was measured on both left and right common carotid arteries, and age-specific, percentile-based reference ranges for CIMT were computed together with the Framingham risk score.
Results:
A significant, steady increase of CIMT reference ranges was observed within different age strata. CIMT levels were linearly related with an increase of the Framingham risk score, but after age-adjustment only the upper CIMT quintile was associated with a higher Framingham risk score.
Conclusions:
Age-specific reference limits provide better estimate of vascular risk in the population and correlation with established risk factors.
