Age, gender and hypertension as major risk factors in development of subclinical atherosclerosis

Authors

  • Ajla Rahimić Ćatić Clinic of Radiology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Sandra Vegar Zubović Clinic of Radiology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Jasminka Ðelilović Vranić Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Svjetlana Lozo Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17532/jhsci.2013.24

Keywords:

Intima-media thickness, atherosclerosis, carotid arteries, Color Doppler Sonography.

Abstract

Introduction: Intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement of the common carotid artery (CCA) is considered as useful indicator of carotid atherosclerosis. Early detection of atherosclerosis and its associated risk factors is important to prevent stroke and heart diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate which risk factors are better determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by common carotid
artery intima media thickness (CCA-IMT).
Methods: A total of 74 subjects were randomly selected in this cross – sectional study. Information on the patient’s medical history and laboratory fi ndings were obtained from their clinical records. Risk factors relevant to this study were age, gender, cigarette smoking status, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Ultrasound scanning of carotid arteries was performed with a 7,5 MHz linear array transducer (GE Voluson
730 pro). The highest value of six common carotid artery measurements was taken as the fi nal IMT. Increased CCA-IMT was defi ned when it was > 1 mm.
Results: Our data demonstrated higher CCA-IMT values in male patients compared with female patients. Increased CCA-IMT was the most closely related to age (P<0.001), followed by systolic blood pressure (P=0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.003) and glucose blood level (P=0.048).
Conclusion: Age, gender and hypertension are the most important risk factors in development of carotid atherosclerosis. Early detection of atherosclerosis among high-risk populations is important in order to prevent stroke and heart diseases, which are leading causes of death worldwide.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

15.04.2013

Issue

Section

Research articles

How to Cite

1.
Age, gender and hypertension as major risk factors in development of subclinical atherosclerosis. JHSCI [Internet]. 2013 Apr. 15 [cited 2024 Oct. 14];3(1):26-9. Available from: https://www.jhsci.ba/ojs/index.php/jhsci/article/view/126