Correlation Between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Using Doppler Ultrasonography: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Observational Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/3c7ay919Keywords:
carotid intima-media thickness, cardiovascular risk factors, Doppler ultrasonography, subclinical atherosclerosis, hypertension, dyslipidaemiaAbstract
Background: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a non-invasive ultrasonographic marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Its relationship with conventional cardiovascular risk factors can support early vascular risk assessment before overt cardiovascular events.
Objectives: To determine CIMT using carotid Doppler ultrasonography and evaluate its correlation with demographic, clinical, metabolic, and cumulative cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study included 100 adults at Government Medical College/Government General Hospital, Kamareddy, Telangana, India, from January to December 2025. Cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure, body mass index, lipid parameters, bilateral CIMT, and carotid plaque were assessed. Group comparisons, Pearson correlation, and multivariable linear regression were used.
Results: The mean age was 54.8 ± 10.7 years and 62% were male. Hypertension was present in 56%, dyslipidaemia in 46%, diabetes mellitus in 38%, current smoking in 34%, and obesity in 32%. Mean bilateral CIMT was 0.78 ± 0.18 mm; increased CIMT (≥0.90 mm) occurred in 31%, and carotid plaque in 18%. CIMT correlated positively with age (r=0.58), systolic blood pressure (r=0.46), LDL-C (r=0.41), total cholesterol (r=0.35), diastolic blood pressure (r=0.31), BMI (r=0.29), and triglycerides (r=0.27), while HDL-C showed an inverse correlation (r=-0.26). Mean CIMT rose from 0.64 ± 0.12 mm with zero or one risk factor to 0.91 ± 0.17 mm with three or more risk factors. Age, systolic blood pressure, LDL-C, smoking, and diabetes remained independent predictors.
Conclusion: CIMT increased with advancing age and greater cardiovascular risk-factor burden. Doppler-derived CIMT provides a practical marker of subclinical vascular injury when interpreted alongside conventional risk factors.
Recommendations: CIMT assessment can complement cardiovascular risk evaluation in selected adults with clustered risk factors. Prevention should prioritize blood-pressure control, glycaemic management, lipid reduction, smoking cessation, healthy weight, and lifestyle modification.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Nagaraju Baja, Dr. Srikanth Maloth, Dr. N. Anil Kumar
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