Age-adjusted reference limits for carotid intima-media thickness as better indicator of vascular risk: population-based estimates from the VITA project.
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.
Tosetto
A
A
Department of Hematology, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
Prati
P
P
Baracchini
C
C
Manara
R
R
Rodeghiero
F
F
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*