Grosor íntima-media carotídeo y frecuencia de placas de ateroma en población española sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular
- Martínez Hervás, Sergio
- Bauer Izquierdo, Sofía
- Priego Serrano, María Antonia
- Real Collado, José Tomás
- Carmena Rodríguez, Rafael
- Ascaso Gimilio, Juan Francisco
ISSN: 0214-9168, 1578-1879
Year of publication: 2012
Volume: 24
Issue: 4
Pages: 181-187
Type: Article
More publications in: Clínica e investigación en arteriosclerosis
Abstract
Introduction: Carotid ultrasound is a useful non-invasive method for redefining cardiovascular risk stratification and the need of more intensive treatment. However, there are limited data on normal values in the Spanish population. The objective was to assess the normality distribution of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) values, according to age and gender. Methods: A total of 746 subjects were studied for a period of two years by opportunistic selection in the metropolitan area of Valencia. Those subjects with cardiovascular risk factors were excluded. The carotid IMT and the presence of carotid plaques were evaluated. Results: A total of 212 subjects (85 men and 127 women) between 18 and 78 years-old were included. Men had significantly higher values of carotid IMT than women. The 75th percentile of mean carotid IMT was 0.613 mm for men and 0.527 mm for women. Carotid plaques were found in 16.5% of the males and in 7.1% of women. Male gender and age were the most important determining factors of carotid IMT and carotid plaque. Conclusion: Carotid IMT was mainly related to age. The establishment of normal values of carotid IMT could be useful in routine clinical care in order to evaluate the presence of abnormalities in the carotid region.