Associated factors to increased carotid intima-media thickness in asymptomatic people without cardiovascular disease

Diaz-Lazo A.; Barrantes J.B.; Montalvo R. · Acta Medica Peruana (2024) · DOI: 10.35663/amp.2024.413.2795

Resumen

The increase in the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT) is considered a potential early indicator of cardiovascular disease, even in asymptomatic patients, making it a useful tool for identifying potential points for early intervention. This study aimed to identify factors associated with increased IMT in asymptomatic patients attended at the Hospital Regional Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Daniel Alcides Carrión in Huancayo, from July 2022 to June 2023. A carotid Doppler ultrasound was performed on 150 volunteers without symptomatic cardiovascular disease, considering values greater than 1 mm as indicative of increased IMT. Multivariate analysis reported arterial hypertension [OR=4.89; 95% CI: 1.64-14.57; p=0.004] and age >= 55 years [OR=4.26; 95% CI: 1.28-14.16; p=0.018] as factors associated with increased IMT. While these results are preliminary, it is recommended that future studies further analyze the role of age and hypertension in atherosclerotic disease, particularly under specific conditions such as high-altitude environments.

Instituciones: Universidad de Huánuco