Smoking status and common carotid artery intima-medial thickness among middle-aged men and women based on ultrasound measurement: a cohort study

Determinants of Carotid Wall Echolucency in a Cohort of European High Cardiovascular Risk Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of IMPROVE Baseline Data

Echolucency, a measure of plaque instability associated with increased cardiovascular risk, can be assessed in both the carotid plaque and the plaque-free common carotid intima-media (IM) complex as a gray-scale median (plaque-GSM and IM-GSM, respectively). The impact of specific vascular risk factors on these two phenotypes remains uncertain, including the nature and extent of their influence. This study aims to seek the determinants of plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Plaque-GSM and IM-GSM were measured in subjects from the IMPROVE study cohort (aged 54-79, 46% men) recruited in five European countries. Plaque-GSM was measured in subjects who had at least one IMTmax ≥ 1.5 mm (n = 2138), whereas IM-GSM was measured in all subjects included in the study (n = 3188). Multiple regression with internal cross-validation was used to find independent predictors of plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Plaque-GSM determinants were plaque-size (IMTmax), and diastolic blood pressure. IM-GSM determinants were the thickness of plaque-free common carotid intima-media complex (PF CC-IMTmean), height, systolic blood pressure, waist/hip ratio, treatment with fibrates, mean corpuscular volume, treatment with alpha-2 inhibitors (sartans), educational level, and creatinine. Latitude, and pack-yearscode were determinants of both plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. The overall models explain 12.0% of plaque-GSM variability and 19.7% of IM-GSM variability. A significant correlation (r = 0.51) was found between plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Our results indicate that IM-GSM is a weighty risk marker alternative to plaque-GSM, offering the advantage of being readily measurable in all subjects, including those in the early phases of atherosclerosis where plaque occurrence is relatively infrequent.

The Level of Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome in Poland Depending on the Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), increasingly diagnosed among the Polish population, is a combination of factors that are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery has been suggested as, simply, a non-invasive and reproducible marker of the early stages of the atherosclerotic process. The carotid IMT can also be a strong predictor of future cerebral and cardiovascular events. The aim of our study was to evaluate atherosclerotic lesions in carotid vessels in patients with MetS depending on the presence of DMt2 and to assess which demographic factors affect the level of IMT. The study involved 335 subjects diagnosed with MetS, including 211 females (65%) and 124 males (37%) aged 37-82. The diagnosis of MetS was made on the basis of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The patients were divided into two subgroups: with DMt2 and without DMt2. The value of IMT depended on gender, education, and smoking status. We noticed that patients with DMt2 had the highest measurement of IMT compared with other groups (1.01 vs. 0.98). Additionally, a statistically significant difference between the subgroup with DMt2 and those without DMt2 was found (1.01 vs. 0.92; p < 0.005). Ultrasound assessment of the carotid IMT should be used more often in the diagnosis and monitoring of high cardiovascular risk and early progression of atherosclerosis, especially in patients with MetS with current DMt2.

Relationship between Plasma Adiponectin Level and Corrected QT Interval in Smoker and Non-smoker Adult Male Subjects

Objective

This study determined the relationship between plasma adiponectin level and corrected QT interval (QTc) in smokers and non-smokers.

Methodology

This cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken in 30 smokers and 30 non-smokers. Plasma adiponectin level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The QT interval was measured by routine 12-lead ECG with Lead II rhythm and QTc was calculated.

Results

Mean plasma adiponectin level was significantly lower in smokers (27.89±15 μg/ml) than that of non-smokers (52.13±21.57pg/ml) (p<0.001). Mean QTc interval was significantly longer in smokers than that of non-smokers (415.37±29.9 versus 395.63±26.13 ms, p<0.01). Higher risk of low adiponectin level (odds ratio [OR],8.1; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.61-40.77) and QTc interval prolongation (OR,6; 95%CI,1.17-30.73) were observed in smokers. There was weak significant negative correlation between plasma adiponectin level and QTc interval in the study population (n=60, r=-0.407, p=0.001). Moreover, low plasma adiponectin level was significantly associated with prolonged QTc interval in the study population (n=60, Fisher's exact p value<0.05). Risk of QTc interval prolongation was 4.3 times higher in subjects with low plasma adiponectin level (OR,4.27; 95% CI,1.05-17.46).

Conclusion

Smokers have greater risk for low plasma adiponectin level and prolonged QTc interval. There is a relationship between plasma adiponectin level and QTc interval.

Adverse effect of smoking on cross-sectional area of small pulmonary vessel and arterial stiffness in healthy smokers without COPD

INTRODUCTION

Because it induces systemic inflammation, smoking is a risk factor of atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels can be useful markers to assess early changes of arterial stiffness and pulmonary vascular alteration in smokers.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore association between the CSA of small pulmonary vessel and arterial stiffness in healthy male smokers.

METHODS

We enrolled 90 male non-smokers and 90 male smokers (age: 51.5 ± 9.7 years and 52.1 ± 7.9 years, respectively). All subjects underwent chest computed tomography (CT), pulmonary function test and baPWV measurement. We evaluated the total CSAs less than 5 mm² using ImageJ software and divided by the total lung area (%CSA<5). We compared the association between baPWV and %CSA<5 in two groups as well as correlations among the amount of smoking, baPWV and %CSA<5. Multiple linear regression analysis using %CSA<5 as the dependent variable was also performed.

RESULTS

The mean baPWV and mean %CSA<5 were significantly different between the smokers and non-smokers. The pack-years was significantly correlated with %CSA<5 (r = -0.631, P < 0.001) and baPWV (r = 0.534, P < 0.001) in smokers. In multiple linear regression analysis, age, pack-years, FEV₁ /FVC and baPWV were associated with %CSA<5, regardless of body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a dose-response relationship between cigarette smoking and the CSA of small pulmonary vessels and arterial stiffness, respectively. Arterial stiffness, age, pack-years and mild airflow impairment are independent predictors of small pulmonary vascular destruction in smokers.

Uric acid is independent cardiovascular risk factor, as manifested by increased carotid intima-media thickness in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity, due to the combined effects of traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CV). A serum uric acid (SUA) level has been suggested as one of the non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovascular risk can be assessed by looking at the subclinical atherosclerosis such as ultrasound (US)-measured carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). This paper aimed to determine the role of SUA as a cardiovascular risk factor, along with the traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation, among RA population. RA patients with no clinically evident CV or renal disease were studied. cIMT US, SUA, traditional cardiovascular, and inflammatory markers were obtained and correlated with cIMT. Among 53 RA patients (5 males, 48 females, mean age 48 ± 14 years), univariate linear-regression showed a positive linear relationship between cIMT and age (p < 0.001), age at RA symptoms onset and diagnosis (p = 0.010 and 0.003, respectively), number of cigarettes/day (p < 0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.005 and 0.030, respectively), and SUA (p = 0.007). Rheumatoid factor positivity and level were associated with thicker cIMT (p = 0.042 and 0.039, respectively). SUA maintained a significant correlation with cIMT in the multivariate analysis together with age, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride level. The model explained 55% (R2 55) of the causes of thick cIMT among RA population. SUA seems to be a cardiovascular risk factor in RA, as manifested by increase in the cIMT.

Effects of active and passive smoking on the development of cardiovascular disease as assessed by a carotid intima-media thickness examination in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Carotid intima-media thickness has been widely used as a surrogate end-point for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This study aimed to assess the effects of active and passive smoking exposure on the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seven hundred twenty-two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited for the study. A standardized questionnaire on smoking status, pack-years of smoking, and the number of years of smoking cessation was provided to the patients, and their responses were collected for analysis. The carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, and the internal diameter of the common carotid artery were determined by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Compared to non-smokers, passive female smokers had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio = 3.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-9.49, P = 0.009); they also had a significantly larger common carotid artery (P = 0.041) and risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.1980-4.0505, P = 0.01). Both active and passive male smokers had a significantly greater carotid intima-media thickness than non-smokers (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively). Male active smokers had a significantly higher risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.4788-5.6094, P = 0.001). In conclusion, cumulative active and passive smoking exposures are significant risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our results highlight the importance of endorsing a smoke-free environment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Heart-Carotid Pulse Wave Velocity a Useful Index of Atherosclerosis in Chinese Hypertensive Patients

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between heart-carotid pulse wave velocity (hcPWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in hypertensive patients, and also to examine the effect of pre-ejection period (PEP) on it. Doppler ultrasound device was used to measure CIMT in left common carotid artery. Hypertensive patients were divided into normal (n = 36, CIMT ≤0.8 mm) and thickened (n = 31, CIMT > 0.8 mm) group. Electrocardiogram R-wave-based carotid pulse wave velocity (rcPWV) and aortic valve-carotid pulse wave velocity (acPWV) were calculated as the ratio of the travel length to the pulse transit time with or without PEP, respectively. CIMT has significant relations with rcPWV (r = 0.611, P < 0.0001) and acPWV (r = 0.384, P = 0.033) in thickened group. Moreover, CIMT showed stronger correlation with rcPWV than with acPWV in thickened group. Furthermore, both acPWV and rcPWV were determinant factors of CIMT in thickened group, independent of clinical confounders including age, gender, smoking behavior, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antihypertensive medication, and plaque occurrence. However, similar results were not found in normal group. Since CIMT has been considered as an index of atherosclerosis, our results suggested that both rcPWV and acPWV could be useful indexes of atherosclerosis in thickened CIMT hypertensive patients. Additionally, if hcPWV is computed with heart-carotid pulse transit time, including PEP could improve the accuracy of atherosclerosis assessment in hypertensive patients.

Cigarette Smoking and Carotid Plaque Echodensity in the Northern Manhattan Study

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine the association between cigarette smoking and carotid plaque ultrasound morphology in a multiethnic cohort.

METHODS

We analyzed 1,743 stroke-free participants (mean age 65.5 ± 8.9 years; 60% women; 18% white, 63% Hispanic, 19% black; 14% current and 38% former smokers, 48% never smoked) from the Northern Manhattan Study using an ultrasound index of plaque echodensity, the Gray-Scale Median (GSM). Echolucent plaque (low GSM) represents soft plaque and echodense (high GSM) more calcified plaque. The mean GSM weighted by plaque area for each plaque was calculated for those with multiple plaques. Quintiles of GSM were compared to no plaque. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess associations of cigarette smoking with GSM, adjusting for demographics and vascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Among subjects with carotid plaque (58%), the mean GSM scores for quintiles 1-5 were 48, 72, 90, 105, and 128, respectively. Current smokers had over a two fold increased risk of having GSM in quintile 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34-3.52), quintile 2 (OR = 2.33; 95% CI, 1.42-3.83), quintile 4 (OR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.19-3.51), and quintile 5 (OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.27-3.56) but not in quintile 3 (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 0.67-2.10) as compared to never smokers in fully adjusted models. Former smokers had increased risk in quintile 2 (OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.00-2.12), quintile 3 (OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.09-2.24), quintile 4 (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13-2.42), and quintile 5 (OR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.19-2.51), but not in quintile 1 (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.72-1.55).

CONCLUSIONS

A nonlinear, V-shaped-like relationship between current cigarette smoking and plaque echodensity was observed. Former smokers were at the highest risk for plaques in high GSM quintiles. Thus, current smokers were more likely to have either soft or calcified plaques and former smokers were at greater risk of having only echodense plaques when compared to those who have never smoked. Further research is needed to determine if plaque morphology mediates an association between smoking and clinical vascular events.

Cigarette smoking exacerbates the adverse effects of age and metabolic syndrome on subclinical atherosclerosis: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Age and metabolic syndrome are major risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, limited information is available regarding whether cigarette smoking, another major, modifiable risk factor, has synergistic effects with age and metabolic syndrome on subclinical atherosclerosis, particularly in young adults. This aspect was examined in 1,051 adults (747 whites and 304 blacks; aged 24–43 years) from the Bogalusa Heart Study. General linear models were used to examine the effects of cigarette smoking and its interactive effects with age and metabolic syndrome on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). After adjusting for age, race, and sex, current smokers had lower BMI (mean±SE: 27.4±0.4, 29.3±0.5, and 29.9±0.3 kg/m² in current, former, and never smokers, respectively; p<0.0001) and lower levels of fasting glucose (82.8±0.9, 89.5±2.3, and 87.1±1.1 mg/dL, respectively; p = 0.001) and insulin (10.6±0.4, 14.2±1.0, 13.6±0. 6 µU/ml, respectively; p<0.0001). Despite being lean and having favorable levels of glucose and insulin, current smokers had greater CIMT (0.850±0.012, 0.808±0.011, and 0.801±0.006 mm, respectively; p = 0.0004). Importantly, cigarette smoking showed significant interactions with age and metabolic syndrome on CIMT: Age-related change in CIMT in current smokers was significantly greater (0.013±0.002 mm/year) than in nonsmokers (former and never smokers combined) (0.008±0.001 mm/year) (p for interaction = 0.005); the difference in CIMT between those with and without metabolic syndrome was significantly greater in current smokers (0.154±0.030 mm, p<0.0001) than in nonsmokers (0.031±0.014 mm, p = 0.03) (p for interaction<0.0001). In conclusion, cigarette smoking significantly exacerbates the adverse effects of age and metabolic syndrome on subclinical atherosclerosis in young adults, which underscores the importance of prevention and cessation of cigarette smoking behavior in the young.

Effects of cigarette smoking, metabolic syndrome and dehydroepiandrosterone deficiency on intima-media thickness and endothelial function in hypertensive postmenopausal women

Background

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between smoking and arterial hypertension as well as endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women without clinically manifested symptoms of atherosclerosis.

Material/Methods

The study groups consisted of 35 current smokers and 45 nonsmokers. The thickness of intima-media complex (IMT), a marker of atherosclerosis, was measured in carotid arteries. Plasma concentrations of fasting glucose, insulin, lipoproteins, inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule-1), matrix metalloproteinases (metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1), insulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured.

Results

Smokers compared with nonsmokers showed lower fasting glucose levels in blood (87.0±10.9 and 93.2±13.6 mg/dl, p<0.05), higher mean systolic (131.1±15.9 vs. 123.0±10.9 mm Hg, p<0.05) and diastolic (81.7±11.4 vs. 75.2±9.2 mm Hg, p<0.05) blood pressure during daytime, and higher average heart rate during the daytime (78.2±9.3/min vs. 71.5±9.5/min, p<0.01) and at night (67.2±10.6/min vs. 61.7±7.7/min, p<0.05), respectively. The IMT in the right carotid artery was significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (0.96±0.16 mm vs. 0.82±0.21, p<0.05) and was positively correlated with smoking intensity (R=0.36) and habit duration (R=0.35). The comparison of inflammatory markers, metalloproteinases, and DHEA-S concentrations in plasma did not reveal significant differences between the 2 groups. A significant negative correlation between DHEA-S concentration in plasma and IMT in right carotid artery was found in smokers.

Conclusions

Smoking in hypertensive postmenopausal women is associated with lower fasting blood glucose and BMI values, but higher arterial pressure and heart rate, and increases in IMT in right carotid artery.

Vascular stiffness and aging in HIV

Large artery stiffening is a biological index of vascular aging. Vascular aging and atherosclerosis are two closely linked processes that develop in parallel and in synergy, sharing common aetiological determinants. Vascular stiffening increases left ventricular work and can lead to diminished coronary perfusion, and may therefore contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. There is emerging evidence that large artery stiffness and vascular aging are accelerated in HIV infection because of the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among HIV-infected patients. Moreover, the biological effects of HIV and the metabolic perturbations associated with antiretroviral therapies appear to accelerate vascular stiffening in HIV-infected patients. Further studies evaluating the effects of general and targeted therapies and various combinations of antiretroviral therapies on measures of large artery stiffness are urgently needed.

Progression of segment-specific carotid artery intima-media thickness in young adults (from the Bogalusa Heart Study)

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) progression is predictive of future cardiovascular events in middle-age and older adults. However, information is scant on segment-specific CIMT progression by race (black vs white) and gender and its predictors during short-term follow-up in asymptomatic young adults. B-mode ultrasound images of the far walls of both carotid arteries were obtained in 842 subjects aged 24 to 43 years and enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study (70% whites and 42% men). The CIMT and cardiometabolic risk variables were measured at baseline and after an average of 2.4 years. The mean CIMT progression rates/year adjusted for age, race, and gender were greatest at the bulb, followed by the internal and common carotid segments (p <0.0001). In a multivariate logistic model, age, mean arterial pressure, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly associated with common CIMT progression. Smoking, age, insulin resistance index, and mean arterial pressure were significantly associated with bulb CIMT progression; and the waist/height ratio, smoking, age, and mean arterial pressure were significantly associated with internal CIMT progression, independent of the baseline CIMT and traditional cardiometabolic risk variables, including adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and intercellular adhesion molecules. In addition, the status of progression was associated with a greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome (common and internal CIMT, p <0.05; bulb CIMT, p <0.0001) and diabetes (bulb CIMT only, p <0.001). In conclusion, in younger adults, the magnitude of progression of CIMT within a short period varied in a segment-specific manner, regardless of race or gender, and was predictable using modifiable traditional risk factors. This could have implications for preventive and interventional cardiology.

Associations between carotid artery wall thickness and cardiovascular risk factors using multidetector CT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been demonstrated that the increase in CAWT is associated with an increased risk of stroke and its severity. The aim of this study was to determine whether CAWT evaluated by MDCTA is associated with the following cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study. One hundred sixty-eight patients (120 men; mean age, 68.96 years ± 11.2 years SD) were analyzed by using a multidetector row CT scanner. In each patient, CAWT was measured by using an internal digital caliper. Continuous data were described as the mean value ± SD and were compared by using the Student t test. We performed simple logistic regressions to evaluate the association between CAWT and the following: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking. A P value < .05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS

The distal common CAWT varied from 0.5 to 1.5 mm. We observed that hypertension and diabetes mellitus were associated with increased (>1 mm) CAWT (P = .0041 and P = .0172, respectively). There was no significant association between increased CAWT and dyslipidemia or smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

In our selected group, the results of this work show that an increased CAWT is associated with the cardiovascular risk determinants hypertension and diabetes. Further studies are necessary to evaluate whether it is possible to apply our observations to the general population.

Correlation between cathepsin D serum concentration and carotid intima-media thickness in hemodialysis patients

AIM

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and approximately half of mortalities in HD patients are attributed to CV disease. Atherosclerosis is the most frequent cause of CV complications in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Based on recent studies, cathepsin D has been suggested as a potential marker of atherosclerosis, and we hypothesized that there is an association between serum concentration of cathepsin D and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

Thirty-one hemodialysis patients (18 men and 13 women) were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of soluble cathepsin D were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) kit. CIMT was determined in each patient.

RESULTS

The data showed that there was a positive significant correlation between serum concentration of cathepsin D and CIMT by using Pearson correlation (P value <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, cathepsin D could be suggested to have a role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

Relationship between inflammatory markers, endothelial activation markers, and carotid intima-media thickness in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which may be related to chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction despite virological control with antiretroviral therapy. The relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a surrogate marker for cardiovascular disease, proinflammatory cytokines, and endothelial activation markers has not been fully explored in HIV-infected patients who are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study of treated HIV-infected patients and healthy control subjects to evaluate the relationship between carotid IMT, proinflammatory cytokines, endothelial activation biomarkers, and metabolic parameters in treated HIV-infected patients, compared with healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

We enrolled 73 HIV-infected patients and 21 control subjects. Common carotid artery and internal carotid artery IMT measurements, as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels were higher in the HIV-infected group. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was the only biomarker that was positively correlated with carotid IMT in both groups. In the HIV-infected group, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was positively correlated with all inflammatory cytokine levels. In multiple regression analysis, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, myeloperoxidase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were all associated with internal carotid artery IMT in the HIV-infected group, whereas age was associated with both common carotid artery and internal carotid artery IMT.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced endothelial activation, inflammation, and increased carotid IMT occur in HIV-infected patients despite antiretroviral therapy. Inflammatory markers are associated with endothelial activation, and both are associated with internal carotid artery IMT, supporting a potential role of inflammation in endothelial activation and cardiovascular disease in HIV infection.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal association of cigarette smoking with carotid atherosclerosis in Chinese adults

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of cigarette smoking with carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 1132 residents in Beijing (748 women and 384 men) aged 35 to 64 years. Information on baseline smoking characteristics, including smoking status and pack-years was collected in 1993-1994. The cohort was resurveyed in 2002 and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid plaques were measured by B-mode ultrasound.

RESULTS

The multivariable-adjusted mean CCA-IMT at resurvey was significantly associated with smoking status at both resurvey and baseline, and was 0.72 mm for consistent current smokers, 0.71 mm for former and inconsistent smokers, and 0.70 mm for consistent never smokers at both surveys, respectively (p-trend<0.01). The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR, 95% confidence interval (CI)] of having carotid plaques was 1.5 (1.0-2.1) for consistent current smokers vs consistent never smokers. In addition, there was a significant dose-response relationship between baseline smoking pack-years and multivariable-adjusted mean CCA-IMT and risk of having carotid plaques at resurvey.

CONCLUSION

Smoking is associated with carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older Chinese adults both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Smoking cessation may play a significant role in prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases in China.

Aterosclerose carotídea avaliada pelo eco-Doppler: associação com fatores de risco e doenças arteriais sistêmicas

CONTEXTO: A aterosclerose carotídea apresenta alta prevalência populacional e associação com vários fatores de risco, contribuindo para altos índices de morbidade e mortalidade. OBJETIVO: Pesquisar a freqüência e associação da aterosclerose de carótidas extracranianas com: idade, sexo, hipertensão arterial, doença coronária isquêmica, tabagismo, diabetes melito tipo 2, obesidade, doença arterial oclusiva periférica, acidente vascular cerebral, oclusão carotídea, espessamento médio-intimal e acotovelamento. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas as artérias carótidas extracranianas, bilateralmente, de 367 indivíduos (132 homens e 235 mulheres) com idade média de 63 anos (35 a 91 anos) por anamnese, semiologia clínica e ultra-sonografia. A possibilidade da associação entre aterosclerose carotídea representada por placas ateromatosas inespecíficas com estenose > 10%, ateromatose discreta e difusa com estenose < 10% e os fatores de risco enunciados foi analisada estatisticamente pelo odds ratio e seus intervalos de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: A freqüência da aterosclerose carotídea foi de 52%, e do espessamento médio-intimal, de 30,2%. Houve associação entre a aterosclerose (ateromatose discreta e difusa e placas ateromatosas inespecíficas) com idade > 64 anos, acidente vascular cerebral, obesidade e tabagismo. Considerando-se somente estenoses carotídeas > 60%, houve associação com idade > 64 anos, oclusão carotídea e doença coronária. O espessamento médio-intimal apresentou associação com idade > 64 anos, acotovelamento, oclusão carotídea, hipertensão arterial e índice tornozelo-braquial < 0,9. CONCLUSÃO: A aterosclerose carotídea apresentou alta freqüência populacional (52%) e associação com idade, obesidade, acidente vascular cerebral, coronariopatia e tabagismo.

Carotid and femoral atherosclerosis in chronic hepatitis C: a 5-year follow-up

The objective of this study was to assess the progression of atherosclerosis in carotid and femoral arteries after a 5-year period using ultrasound in subjects with chronic hepatitis C and in controls matched for classic atherosclerotic risk factors. A total of 40 patients and 40 controls were assessed by echocolor Doppler in 2001 and in 2006 to evaluate plaque and intima-media thickness. The patients showed no changes in plaque and intima-media thickness during the 5-year period in all districts examined, whereas a significant increase in intima-media thickness in the carotid sections was recorded in the controls. Chronic hepatitis C seems to cause delay in the atherosclerotic process.

Sex differences in the relation of HDL cholesterol to progression of carotid intima-media thickness: The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study

Epidemiologic studies have revealed that the protective association of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with CHD is stronger in older men and younger women. We aimed to investigate sex differences in the relation of HDL-C to progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis) in middle age. IMT progression and serum HDL-C were determined for a cohort of 500 women and men aged 40-60 years over three examinations (1.5-year intervals). IMT at baseline was inversely associated with serum levels of HDL-C and the associations were comparable in women and men. However, in multivariate longitudinal growth models adjusting for potential confounders, IMT progression was inversely associated with serum levels of HDL-C in men, but directly associated in women (p=0.0007 for interaction). Our results suggest that although HDL-C was protective against progression of carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged men, anti-atherogenic effects of HDL may diminish in women around the age of menopause.