Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Stiffness are Independent Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Diseases

Abstract

Carotid IMT and stiffness represent different properties of atherosclerotic vessel wall. Measuring both traits provides a better characterization of atherosclerosis.

Research update for articles published in EJCI in 2009

“…Finally, Gó mez-Marcos et al [62] determined that carotid IMT showed positive correlation with PWV, which after adjustment for age, gender and heart rate was lost in diabetics but not in non-diabetics. All these studies [59][60][61] support our findings [59] that measures of subclinical atherosclerosis (e.g. IMT) and arterial stiffness (e.g.…”

“…PWV was not independently correlated with carotid IMT when it was added to the multivariable model. Tu et al [61] demonstrated that the correlation between carotid IMT and stiffness after adjusting for other variables was substantially attenuated. Finally, Gó mez-Marcos et al [62] determined that carotid IMT showed positive correlation with PWV, which after adjustment for age, gender and heart rate was lost in diabetics but not in non-diabetics.…”

Using ultrasound radio frequency technology to assess regression of the structure and function of the carotid artery by radioiodine therapy in hyperthyroidism patients

“…Compliance coefficient (CC), stiffness index (β) and other elastic parameters are objective ways to demonstrate arteriosclerosis, whose changes are of great significance to the early evaluation of arterial elasticity. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is also believed by most researchers to be a reliable arterial elasticity parameter [ 6 , 7 ]. Furthermore, the intima media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery is proved to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events [ 8 ].…”

A Vascular Aging Index as Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Events and Total Mortality in an Elderly Urban Population

“…Only a handful of studies have assessed the simultaneous use of aPWV and cIMT for CVD prediction. 18 –20 The present study is the first to evaluate continuous measurements of both aPWV and cIMT in a large population-based cohort. It also used the gold-standard method of direct carotid femoral aPWV measurement.…”