PREDICTORS OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Aims: We aimed to investigate the predictors of Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in premenopausal women.

Background: CIMT was shown to be a strong coronary artery disease predictor in both pre- and postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 2298 participants. The final cohort included 783 pre-menopausal women (with a mean age of 39 +/- 11). Carotid intima media thickness was measured in all of the participants.

Results: Mean CIMT of premenopausal women was 0.51 +/- 0.14 mm. Age- adjusted correlates of CIMT was SBP (r = 0.138; p=<0.001), DBP (r=0.095; p=-0.012) and LDL/HDL (r =0.077; p=0.041) ratio. Linear regression analysis was done in order to find independent covariates of carotid intima media thickness in two different models. Only age and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with CIMT. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only age was an independent predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis. Hypertension had the highest Odds ratio with borderline significance.

Conclusion: The age and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with CIMT in premenopausal healthy Turkish women. Hypertension might be the best target for a modifiable risk factor for CIMT and future cardiovascular risk in this population.