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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
Published on: December 2, 2014
Are your arteries older than your age?
N Labropoulos1, L R Leon, L P Brewster
1Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153-3304, USA. nlabrop@lumc.edu
Summary
Age and atherosclerotic risk factors significantly increase carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). These factors alter artery wall morphology, suggesting premature aging in younger individuals with risk factors, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology and imaging
- Cardiovascular disease research
- Gerontology and atherosclerosis
Background:
- Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.
- Age and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors are known to influence vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronological age and atherosclerotic risk factors on carotid intima-media layer thickness and morphology.
- To assess how these factors affect the structural characteristics of the carotid artery wall.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound imaging of the carotid artery in three groups: individuals with risk factors, age-matched healthy controls, and younger volunteers.
- Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common (CCA) and internal carotid arteries (ICA).
- Assessment of intima-media layer (IML) surface irregularity, continuity, echogenicity, and presence of calcium using high-definition imaging and image analysis software.
Main Results:
- IMT demonstrated a linear increase with age, with age identified as an independent risk factor.
- All investigated atherosclerotic risk factors were significantly associated with increased IMT.
- With increasing age and risk factors, the carotid artery wall showed increased irregularity, distorted double-line patterns, and heightened echogenicity, particularly in the ICA.
Conclusions:
- Age is an independent predictor of increased carotid IMT.
- Atherosclerotic risk factors are linked to age-related changes in the intima-media layer.
- Vascular changes indicative of premature aging were observed in younger individuals with risk factors.
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