Risk factors for carotid plaque formation in elderly people

Abstract

Objective To evaluate risk factors for carotid plaque formation and the strength of association for each factor, thereby providing theoretical directions for primary prevention of atherosclerosis. Methods The study population came from Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study(DQDPS), including 395 diabetes mellitus(DM)patients and 209 non-diabetes controls who were alive at the last follow-up in 2009.Physical examinations and laboratory tests were performed on each subject, and carotid ultrasound was used to detect the location and quantity of plaque formation. Results The carotid bifurcation had the highest incidence rate(57.5%)of plaque formation in the carotid artery; The DM group had a much higher incidence rate of plaque formation than the control group(74.4% vs.47.4%)and in the formation of multiple plaques(50.9% vs.27.8%); The risk of single or multiple carotid plaque formation increased with advancing age(OR=1.798 or 3.986); The incidence rates for single and multiple carotid plaque formation in males were 1.599 and 2.127 times those in females, respectively; After adjustment for age and gender, the strongest predictor for carotid plaque formation was increased systolic blood pressure(SBP); The risk rates of single and multiple carotid plaque formation for participants with high systolic pressure(SBP≥140 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)were 2.51 and 13.99 times, respectively, those for participants with normal systolic pressure, while participants with systolic pressure in the prehypertension range(SBP 120-139mmHg)showed elevated risk already for multiple plaque formation(OR=6.95). Conclusions Older age, male gender, elevated SBP, DM, poor control of blood sugar levels and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with carotid plaque formation, suggesting that good control over the latter three factors is conductive to the prevention of carotid plaque formation. Key words: Carotid arteries; Plaque; Risk factors; Ultrasonography; Atherosclerosis