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A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Analysis of carotid ultrasound in a high-stroke-risk population
ChunFang Wang1, Lirong Geng, Lijun Hou
1Department of Neurology, Second People's Hospital of Qujing, Qujing, China.
Insights
Age and lack of physical exercise are key risk factors for carotid plaque (CP). Male sex, older age, and high LDL cholesterol contribute to carotid artery thickening, influencing plaque number and location.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Carotid plaque (CP) and carotid common artery intima-media thickening (CCAIMT) are significant indicators of cerebrovascular disease risk.
- Identifying specific risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies in high-stroke-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk factors associated with CP and CCAIMT.
- To determine the relationship between these risk factors and the number/location of carotid plaques and intima-media thickening.
Main Methods:
- Carotid ultrasonography was performed on 430 high-stroke-risk participants.
- Risk factors and blood biochemical indices were assessed.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of CP was 88.1% and CCAIMT was 70.5%.
- Age and lack of physical exercise were identified as risk factors for CP.
- Older age, male sex, and elevated LDL cholesterol were risk factors for CCAIMT, with specific associations for left and right CCAIMT, and dual CCAIMT.
Conclusions:
- Age and physical inactivity are primary drivers of carotid plaque formation.
- Cardiovascular risk factors like male sex, advanced age, and dyslipidemia significantly influence carotid artery wall changes and plaque burden.
Abstract:
This study aims to explore the risk factors for carotid plaque (CP) and carotid common artery intima-media thickening (CCAIMT) and clarify the relationship between the risk factors with the number of CPs and the side of CCAIMT in a high-stroke-risk population in Qujing, Yunnan, China. Carotid ultrasonography was performed in 430 participants with high stroke risk, who were divided into different groups according to their ultrasound results. The risk factors and blood biochemical indices were recorded for assessment. The prevalence rates of CP and CCAIMT were 88.1% and 70.5%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age and lack of physical exercise as risk factors of CP. Compared to participants without CP, participants who performed little physical exercise were prone to have one CP, while participants with risk factors for smoking, older age, and physical inactivity were more likely to have several CPs. Risk factors for CCAIMT were older age, male, and the levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Risk factors for left CCAIMT included a history of hyperlipidemia and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, while male sex was the sole risk factor for right CCAIMT. Finally, male sex and advanced age were identified as risk factors for dual CCAIMT. The research reveals the risk factors for CP and CCAIMT, also clarifies the relationship between the risk factors, CP numbers, and the side of CCAIMT.
