Cardiovascular risk factors and signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study.
Modern investigation modalities allow markers of atherosclerosis to be detected at a subclinical stage. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of these markers in relation to traditional risk factors.



The population based study included 4814 participants, aged 45 to 75 years, with a response rate of 55.8% of those contacted. The patients' history, psychosocial and environmental risk factors were assessed.



The prevalence of obesity was 26.2% in men and 28.1% in women, 26% of men and 21% of women were smokers. Hypertension was found in 46% of men and 31% of women, diabetes in 9.3% of men and 6.3% of women. Markers of subclinical peripheral arterial disease were found in 6.4% of men and 5.1% of women, of subclinical carotid artery disease in 43.2% and 30.7%, and of subclinical coronary artery calcification in 82.3% and 55.2%, respectively. The prevalence of coronary calcification measured using an Agatston Score >100 was in 40% in men and 15% in women, using a score >400, 16.8% and 4.5%, respectively.



A high prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was found in the older population. The follow-up period will demonstrate whether the detection of markers of subclinical atherosclerosis will improve risk stratification beyond that offered by traditional risk factors.
Erbel
Raimund
R
Klinik für Kardiologie,Westdeutsches Herzzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Essen,Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, Germany. erbel@uk-essen.de
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Jöckel
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Moebus
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Hoffmann
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Schmermund
Axel
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Stang
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Siegrist
Johannes
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Dragano
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Grönemeyer
Dietrich
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Seibel
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Mann
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Bröcker-Preuss
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Kröger
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Volbracht
Lothar
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