Factors modifying the prognosis in men with asymptomatic carotid artery disease.
OBJECTIVE
Carotid artery stenosis is associated with an increased prevalence and incidence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The aim of this study has been to assess whether, in men with carotid artery stenosis, survival and incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction is different in men with and men free from IHD; and to characterize probands with incident cerebrovascular (CBV) event in terms of smoking, hypertension and leg artery disease.


METHODS
Population-based cohort study, 'Men born 1914'.


METHODS
Malmö, a city in southern Sweden.


METHODS
A total of 478 of 621 men born in 1914, who in 1982 participated in ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries.


METHODS
Morbidity and mortality during 10 years of followup.


RESULTS
Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis was, in men free from IHD, associated with reduced survival and an increased incidence of serious CBV events that occurred, on average, 3.6 years after the examination. In men with prevalent IHD, there was no relationship between carotid artery stenosis and incidence of CBV events. The main explanation to the lack of association seems to be the high vascular mortality rate in that group.


CONCLUSIONS
It's our conclusion that in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis there is a great heterogeneity with regard to severity of disease and prognosis. Survival and incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction depends on whether patients have concomitant IHD.
Hedblad
B
B
Department of Community Medicine, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Janzon
L
L
Jungquist
G
G
Ogren
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking
D008055:Lipids