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Gender, age and carotid plaque morphology
R J Holdsworth1, J S Bryce, D K Harrison
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee, UK.
Minerva Cardioangiologica
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Men exhibit a higher incidence of severe internal carotid artery plaque, particularly hemorrhagic types, correlating with greater stenosis. However, this severity does not increase symptoms or affect younger age groups.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Internal carotid artery plaque is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular events.
- Understanding demographic associations with plaque characteristics is crucial for risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between patient demographics (gender, age) and the development of internal carotid artery plaque types.
- To analyze the relationship between plaque morphology, degree of stenosis, and clinical presentation in relation to gender and age.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical study involving 455 carotid duplex scans with >50% stenosis.
- Analysis of patient gender, age, degree of stenosis, symptoms, and plaque morphology (Type I - hemorrhagic).
Main Results:
- Males constituted 52.3% of the study population.
- A significantly higher proportion of men (71.7%) presented with Type I (hemorrhagic) plaque (p = 0.000002).
- Type I plaque in men was associated with a higher degree of stenosis (p = 0.0006) but was independent of age and symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Men demonstrate a higher prevalence of severe carotid artery disease, characterized by hemorrhagic plaque.
- Despite increased stenosis and hemorrhagic plaque, men do not experience a higher incidence of symptoms.
- The observed association between gender and severe plaque characteristics is not age-dependent.