The age correlation of the carotid intima-media thickness according to sex and side in asymptomatic subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Reports concerning carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and linear correlation to age in healthy subjects did not distinguish the side and sex of the subjects. The purpose of this investigation attempts to clarify these issues.


METHODS
2402 asymptomatic persons, age 35-64, are separated into men's left (Lt) and right (Rt) and women's Lt and Rt carotid arteries for difference of CIMT between them and analysis of CIMT vs. age.


RESULTS
There are significant difference between men's CIMT of Lt(CIMTML) vs Rt (CIMTMR), women's Lt(CIMTWL) vs. Rt (CIMTWR), Lt side CIMT of men vs women, and Rt side CIMT of men vs. women. The regression equation of CIMT vs. age for all four groups is determinated.


CONCLUSIONS
We found an excellent linear correlation of CIMT to age and CIMT is significantly higher in men than women, so as higher in Lt than Rt. Further grouping of data into about 5-year period showed more clearly stepwise increasing of CIMT, so as the ratios of Lt CIMT different than Rt. CIMT study is served as highly efficient examination in therapy, prevention, clinic, or research survey about atherosclerosis and risk of stroke. Future study design concerning CIMT in separation groups of men and women, so as Lt and Rt is highly recommended.
Department of Family Medicine, West Garden Hospital, Taiwan.
Shih-Ming
SM
Ma
Ching-Kuo
CK
Wei
Chi-Chau
CC
Liang
Jung-Min
JM
Chou
Shih-Ying
SY
Lee
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D058070:Asymptomatic Diseases; D059168:Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012727:Sex Characteristics