title: [Subclinical atherosclerosis among Chilean subjects classified as having a low cardiovascular Framingham risk].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Framingham risk score (FRS) has limitations and can underestimate risk. Carotid ultrasound to measure intima media thickness or plaques is recommended for cardiovascular risk assessment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects classified as low and intermediate risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study performed in subjects without cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Chilean FRS and the General Cardiovascular Disease FRS. Carotid ultrasound was performed in all subjects. We defined subclinical atherosclerosis as the presence of carotid plaque or intima media thickness greater than 75th percentile by gender and age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We studied 203 subjects aged 47.2 ± 9.6 years (54% males). Mean intima media thickness was 0.62 ± 0.1 mm. An abnormal value was detected in 68 subjects (33%) and carotid plaques in 32 subjects (15.7%). Based on Chilean FRS, 96% were considered at low risk, 4% at intermediate, and none at high risk. In the low risk group the prevalence of abnormal intima media thickness and plaques was 40 and 14% respectively. Presence of plaques was more common in women than men (23 and 7% respectively, p < 0.01). According to the General Cardiovascular Disease FRS, 23% were at low, 39% at low intermediate and 28% at high intermediate risk. In the low risk group the prevalence of an abnormal intima media thickness was 34% and no subject had plaques.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Carotid plaques were detected in Chilean subjects classified as having a low FRS risk. The underestimation of risk was higher in Chilean women.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Varleta
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Concepción
authors.forename: Patricio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Julio
authors.forename: Héctor
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Casanova
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Navarrete
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D059168:Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors