2.15 Prevalence of Intima-Media Thickness, Carotid Plaques and Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive Elderly Subjects

Introduction: To evaluate the connection between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), as it is used as a marker of atherosclerosis associated to cardiovascular risk, and carotid plaques in elderly subjects with a history of hypertension.

Methods: 133 elderly hypertensive subjects were enrolled (61 males, 72 females, mean age 79± 9). The design of this study included: 1) clinical measurement of blood pressure; 2) blood tests; 3) carotid and vertebral ultrasonography. Blood pressure (BP) control was considered for the following BP levels: <140/90 mmHg.

Results: In these subjects, overall sample systolic blood pressure was 148±18 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was: 88.8±9 mmHg. 51.2% of subjects had controlled BP. Hypertensive patients were divided in three groups: 1) normal (N), 35 subjects, systolic blood pressure (SBP) 120–129 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 80–89 mmHg; 2) normal-high (NH), 33 subjects, SBP 130–139 and DBP 85–89 mmHg; 3) hypertension (H), 65 subjects, SBP 140–159 and DBP 90–99 mmHg. We also measured thickness of carotid wall (SBP): 1.5 ± 1.6 mm in group N, 2.0 ± 1.5 mm in group NH, 2.4 ± 1.4 mm. in group H.

Conclusions: Hypertensive subjects showed an increased IMT, prevalence of plaques and a higher cardiovascular risk compared to subjects without hypertension.