Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 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

Ankle brachial index and intima media thickness predict cardiovascular events similarly and increased prediction when

Jackie F Price1, Ioanna Tzoulaki, Amanda J Lee

  • 1Wolfson Unit for Prevention of Peripheral Vascular Diseases, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK. Jackie.Price@ed.ac.uk

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|September 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The ankle brachial index (ABI) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) have similar predictive value for cardiovascular events. Combining ABI and IMT may improve prediction, especially when used sequentially or as continuous variables.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular disease research
  • Biomarker discovery
  • Predictive modeling in medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Early identification of individuals at high risk is crucial for preventive interventions.
  • Ankle brachial index (ABI) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) are established markers of atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the predictive capabilities of ABI and IMT for incident cardiovascular events.
  • To evaluate the incremental predictive value of combining ABI and IMT.
  • To assess the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers in a population-based cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study involving 1,007 participants aged 60-79.
  • Ascertainment of new cardiovascular events (MI, stroke, angina, intermittent claudication) over 12 years.
  • Analysis of predictive values and receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for ABI and IMT.

Main Results:

  • ABI and IMT demonstrated comparable positive and negative predictive values for cardiovascular events.
  • The area under the receiver operator curves (AUC) significantly increased when ABI or IMT was added to age and sex.
  • Combining both ABI and IMT further improved the predictive model's AUC.

Conclusions:

  • The predictive ability of ABI for cardiovascular disease is similar to that of IMT.
  • Combining ABI and IMT offers potential advantages for cardiovascular risk prediction.
  • Sequential testing or using continuous variables for ABI and IMT may enhance clinical utility.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
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)...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites for measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...