Risk factors of carotid plaque and carotid common artery intima‐media thickening in a high‐stroke‐risk population

Abstract

IntroductionTo analyze the risk factors of carotid plaque (CP) and carotid common artery intima‐media thickening (CCAIMT) and the association between the risk factors and CP numbers and the side of the CCAIMT in a high‐stroke‐risk population.MethodsCarotid ultrasonography was conducted in 2025 participants with high stroke risk. Participants were divided into different groups according to the results of the ultrasound. The risk factors and blood biochemical indices were recorded.ResultsThe presence of CP and CCAIMT were 38.9% and 24.8% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the risk factors of CP were age, high LDL‐C and FBG levels, male gender, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and tobacco use. Compared with participants without CPs, the participants who were male, and older in age, with risk factors of tobacco use, diabetes, high LDL‐C levels, and a family history of hypertension were likely to have a single CP, whereas the participants with risk factors of tobacco use, diabetes, hypertension, male gender, older age, high LDL‐C levels, stroke and AF or valvulopathy were prone to have multiple CPs. The risk factors of CCAIMT were male gender, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, AF or valvulopathy, tobacco use and age. Compared with the N‐CCAIMT subgroup, the risk factors of left CCAIMT were tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and age. The risk factors of right CCAIMT were male gender, high FBG levels, age, AF or valvulopathy. The risk factors of dual CCAIMT were high frequency of drinking milk, tobacco use, male gender, age, stroke, and hypertension.ConclusionThese findings revealed the risk factors of CP and CCAIMT, and an association between the risk factors and the CP numbers and the side of the CCAIMT.

Prevalence and cardiovascular risk factors of carotid plaque in rural-dwelling adults: a population-based study in Shandong, China

“…In this study, we found that the association of hypertension with the presence of CP and multiple CPs, which was consistent with previous studies [18,19]. Previous studies have shown that hypertension may be the most prominent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis [22,23].…”

“…This study found that DM was associated with the presence of CP and multiple CPs, which was consistent with previous studies [3,18,19]. The underlying mechanisms of the correlation between diabetes and carotid atherosclerosis may be explained by the decrease in the bioavailability of the main anti-atherosclerotic factor endothelium-derived nitric oxide [20], and abnormal platelet activity caused by insulin insu cient and/or resistance [21].…”

Comparison of the Characteristics and Risk Factors of Carotid Atherosclerosis in High Stroke Risk Populations Between Urban and Rural Areas in North China

“…Results also showed that Jilin had the highest rate of CAS, while Xinjiang had the lowest one, which may be due to the differences in sample areas and populations. As for the prevalence of carotid plaques, IMT, and stenosis, it varies widely (14,19). Our data show that the prevalence of IMT, plaque, and stenosis were 39.22, 41.25, and 4.05%, respectively.…”

“…The common risks for CAS in both urban and rural groups reported in our study were consistent with numerous previous studies. For example, risk factors for carotid plaque and IMT include age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high FBG and LDL levels, decreased HDL-C levels, and history of stroke (19,20).…”

Carotid intima‐media thickness predicts carotid plaque development: Meta‐analysis of seven studies involving 9341 participants

“…Although a significant association between increased baseline cIMT and first‐ever carotid plaque has been obtained, this does not necessarily imply a direct relationship between them. Elevated cIMT and carotid plaque have both been associated with a number of cardiovascular risk factors and also share a considerable amount of these risk factors. Hence, the possibility of a confounding factor driving the current result towards positivity exists.…”