title: Age-adjusted reference limits for carotid intima-media thickness as better indicator of vascular risk: population-based estimates from the VITA project.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An increase of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been demonstrated to be associated in many studies with the subsequent risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular events, but the threshold level of CIMT for an increased risk at different ages remains uncertain.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed at establishing optimal reference limits associated with a definite increased vascular risk in the general population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort of 2580 subjects was enrolled in a population-based cross-sectional survey. CIMT was measured on both left and right common carotid arteries, and age-specific, percentile-based reference ranges for CIMT were computed together with the Framingham risk score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant, steady increase of CIMT reference ranges was observed within different age strata. CIMT levels were linearly related with an increase of the Framingham risk score, but after age-adjustment only the upper CIMT quintile was associated with a higher Framingham risk score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Age-specific reference limits provide better estimate of vascular risk in the population and correlation with established risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tosetto
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Prati
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baracchini
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manara
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodeghiero
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000886:Anthropometry; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*