title: Gallstones are Associated with Intima-Media Thickness of Common Carotid Arteries in Men.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of gallstone disease is increasing in Korea. Gallstone disease and atherosclerosis share common risk factors. Ultrasonographic carotid intima-media thickness is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis. We measured the carotid intima-media thickness among men who had gallstones to establish the association between atherosclerosis and gallstones.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 330 men who visited the health promotion center of the IS Hallym Hospital from January 2011 to July 2012 were recruited. Both abdomen and carotid ultrasonographies were performed. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of gallstones was 6.6%. The carotid intima-media thickness, age, and body mass index were higher in subjects with gallstones (P < 0.05 for all). After Pearson correlation analysis, gallstone, age, body mass index, and fasting blood sugar were significantly associated with carotid intima-media thickness. A statistically positive association between gallstone and carotid intima-media thickness was demonstrated in a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, and fasting blood sugar.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Carotid intima-media thickness is higher in male subjects with gallstones, indicating that they are at greater risk for atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, IS Hallym Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, IS Hallym Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Gum
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Ryoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, IS Hallym Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong-Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, IS Hallym Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hye
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Atherosclerosis; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Gallstones; Men