Carotid bifurcation atherosclerosis in the over-65s: a prevalence study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carotid stenosis (CS) in the over-65 population segment residing in a catchment area (Gijón) served by the Asturias Health Service (Spain) as a necessary step in planning medical care for treating cerebrovascular disease in the elderly.


METHODS
In this descriptive transversal study, 232 subjects (114 men and 118 women) randomly chosen from health card data underwent colour-flow duplex scanning of the supra-aortic trunks.


RESULTS
The prevalence of CS in this sample was 21.5%. When stratified by sex and age (65-74 and >75 years of age), the CS rate was 5 points higher in the older than in the younger group, and 4 points higher among males (23.6%) than among females (19.2%).


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately one in every 5 subjects over 65 years of age presents with CS; CS prevalence was higher in the over-75s and among males, although the differences were not statistically significant.
Vallina-Victorero
M
M
Section of Angiology, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain. manueljavier.vallina@sespa.princast.es
Vaquero
F
F
Alvarez
A
A
Ramos
M J
MJ
Vicente
M
M
Alvarez
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color