Risk factors for subclinical carotid atherosclerosis among current smokers
Heather M Johnson1, Megan E Piper, Douglas E Jorenby
1University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
Preventive Cardiology
|September 24, 2010
Summary
Smoking significantly accelerates carotid atherosclerosis in current smokers. Key risk factors include smoking pack-years, age, and small low-density lipoproteins, with a stronger plaque association in women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Carotid atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for stroke.
- Smoking is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding risk factors in smokers is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify determinants of carotid atherosclerosis in current smokers.
- To assess associations between risk factors, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and carotid plaque.
Main Methods:
- Multivariable regression analysis was used.
- 1504 current smokers (58% female, median age 44.7 years) were analyzed.
- Data included smoking pack-years, CIMT, and carotid plaque presence.
Main Results:
- Pack-years, age, male sex, nonwhite race, BMI, systolic blood pressure, small LDLs, and total HDL were associated with CIMT.
- Pack-years, age, BMI, and small LDLs were associated with carotid plaque.
- The association between pack-years and carotid plaque was stronger in women.
Conclusions:
- Smoking pack-years and age are significant independent predictors of carotid atherosclerosis in smokers.
- Small LDLs are also a key risk factor for carotid plaque.
- Interventions targeting smoking cessation and lipid management are vital for this population.
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