The evolution of atherosclerosis can be studied before development of symptomafic plaque by evaluating morphologic changes of the intima-media (I-M) complex, seen on high-resolution ultrasonography of the arterial wall. These qualitative changes require l~xge alterations in vessel wall appearance to recognize progression of atherosclerosis. It has been suggested that measurement of the thickness of the I-M complex may be a quantitative and more sensitive method of assessing these early atherosclerotic changes. ~fethods: High-resolution ultrasonography has been used to measure the thickness of the I-M complex in 140 symptom-free subjects. Results: The mean thickness of the I-M complex of the common carotid arteries was linearly related to the age (r-0.77;p< 0.001), pack-years of smoking (r = 0.39;p < 0.05), the systolic blood pressure (r = 0.51, p < 0.01), and to the arterial ultrasound score (r = 0.85). The arterial ultrasound score has previously been shown to correlate with the presence of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and with the development of cardiovascular symptoms. The mean thickness of the I-M complex in subjects without plaque (in the common carotid or common femoral artery bifurcations) was significantly thinner than in subjects with plaque (p < 0.001). Gmclusion: The thickness of the I-M complex of the common carotid arteries is a measure of the risk for the development of cardiovascular symptoms in symptom-free individuals.
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