Aging-related changes and reference values for the carotid intima-media thickness in a Uruguayan population.
Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a well-established subclinical marker of atherosclerosis. Non-invasive vascular evaluation has emerged as a useful tool to aid in individual cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification and diagnose. The use of CIMT in CV risk stratification requires knowing the expected reference values for the population studied. Our aim were: a) to evaluate the relationship between aging and CIMT, b) to analyze gender and side (right vs left) related-differences in CIMT and c) to determine the CIMT reference values for an Uruguayan population taking into account aging-related CIMT changes.


METHODS
367 asymptomatic subjects without known CV disease or risk factors were included in the study. Subjects were divided into six age groups. High-resolution B-mode ultrasound images of both (right and left) common carotid arteries were obtained based on the techniques and recommendations described in international consensus.


RESULTS
No significant age-related differences in CIMT between men and women were observed. The mean left CIMT was thicker compared with right CIMT in groups 4, 5 and 6. However, there were no significant differences in those groups. The nomogram model was constructed from data base, in which the 95% confidence interval was considered. Diagnosis thresholds were determined as well.


CONCLUSIONS
We define reference values of CIMT for our population using gold standard techniques which contributes to standard techniques which contributes to an improved insight into clinical practice and can be used routinely for evaluation.
Physiology Department and with the Centro Universitario de Investigación, Innovación y Diagnóstico (CUiiDARTE), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Ignacio
I
Farro
Daniel
D
Bia
Yanina
Y
Zócalo
Juan
J
Torrado
Federico
F
Farro
Lucia
L
Florio
Ricardo
R
Lluberas
Ricardo L
RL
Armentano
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014583:Uruguay; D055815:Young Adult