Abstract
Introduction: Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events. A few studies have examined the racial differences in IMT progression. We aimed to study the racial differences in IMT progression over 4-6 years among middle-aged Caucasian, African and Japanese American men. Methods: Population-based samples of 393 men (Caucasian=199, African Americans=39, Japanese Americans=155; aged 40-49 years at baseline) free of clinical cardiovascular disease and not on lipid lowering, anti-diabetic or anti-hypertension medications at baseline were examined for IMT at two time points (baseline (2004-07) and follow-up (2008-13). Measurements of IMT were standardized and performed by University of Pittsburgh. Progression of IMT was defined as (follow-up IMT [[Unable to Display Character: &#8211;]] baseline IMT)/duration of follow-up (years). Multivariable linear regression analyses were used and models were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (Table). Results: In the unadjusted analyses, IMT progression was significantly associated with age and race, and marginally significantly associated with systolic blood pressure and diabetes. The progression rate of IMT (mean ± SE) was the highest in Japanese American (16 ± 1.2μm/year) compared with Caucasian (10.3 ± 1.0μm/year; P < 0.01) and African American men (3 ± 2μm/year; P < 0.01). In the adjusted analyses, age and race remained significantly associated with IMT progression. Japanese Americans progressed significantly faster than Caucasians. African Americans progressed slower than Caucasians but this difference was not significant. Diabetes was marginally significantly associated with IMT progression. Conclusions: Age and race are the major determinants of IMT progression in these middle-aged men. Racial differences in progression are prominent with fastest progression in Japanese Americans.
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