The Role of Carotid Intimal Thickness Testing and Risk Prediction in the Development of Coronary Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Carotid Ultrasound is a safe and available non invasive diagnostic tool that provides information about the carotid arteries’ characteristics and may be used for early detection of coronary artery disease as well as cardiovascular and stroke event risk stratifications. We performed a systematic search of the articles discussing carotid ultrasound in English literature, published in PubMed from the year2010 to September 2012. Generally, the studies showed that Internal carotid artery intima media thickness is a more powerful variable than common carotid artery intima media thickness. Moreover, the presence of carotid plaque and plaque volumes are more reliable and accurate estimators of coronary artery disease and risk of a stroke or cardiovascular event than intima media thickness.

Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity is Associated with Composite Carotid and Coronary Atherosclerosis in a Middle-Aged Asymptomatic Population

“…Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was measured 1.0 cm distal to both common carotid artery bifurcations. The presence of carotid artery plaque was determined when the local CIMT was ≥ 1.5 mm or 50% of the surrounding area 17) .…”

Nonlinear model for the carotid artery disease 10‐year risk prediction by fusing conventional cardiovascular factors to carotid ultrasound image phenotypes: A Japanese diabetes cohort study

“…Furthermore, for men, cIMT progression rate was 33% higher (0.020 mm/year) compared to females (0.015 mm/year). Darabian et al reported a higher contribution due to chronological age in the progression of cIMT in both CCA (0.007 mm/year) and ICA (0.037 mm/year). Kasliwal et al reported a study of Asian Indian ethnicity with larger CCA IMT progression rate in females (0.014 mm/year) compared to males (0.01 mm/year).…”

Natural Remedies Lower Elevated Fibrinogen Levels in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis

“…The Tunica Intima, made up of endothelial cells, and the Tunica Media comprised of smooth muscle, line the entire inside structure of arteries and veins. The thickness of the Tunica Intima and the Tunica Media of the carotid artery (Intima Media Thickness-IMT) are reliable indicators of the presence and severity of CVD [9,10]. Chronic high plasma fibrinogen levels have a strong relationship with the severity of IMT [11].…”