Effect of carotid atherosclerosis screening on risk stratification during primary cardiovascular disease prevention

Am J Cardiol. 2004 Apr 15;93(8):1030-2. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2003.12.056.

Abstract

We investigated the effect that carotid plaque area (CPA) and intima media thickness (IMT) measurements have on risk stratification in 95 patients with intermediate Framingham scores (6% to 19%). The risk status of each patient was adjusted to be low, intermediate, or high based on the results of carotid ultrasound. After carotid testing, 44% (IMT) and 45% (CPA) of the intermediate-risk patients were stratified as low risk, and 22% (IMT) and 40% (CPA) were stratified as high risk. Using the threshold values derived from our laboratory, 28% (IMT) and 45% (CPA) of patients were stratified as low risk, and 35% (IMT) and 27% (CPA) were identified as high risk. These tests adjust the risk strata of >/=63% of patients deemed as having intermediate risk by Framingham scores.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Ultrasonography