Distribución del grosor íntima-media carotídeo en función de la estratificación del riesgo cardiovascular según las funciones de Framingham-REGICOR y SCORE

Abstract

Background Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) has been suggested as a further tool for risk function charts. The aim of this study was to describethe relationship between cIMT and cardiovascular risk (CVR) estimation according to Framingham-REGICOR and SCORE equations. Methods Observational, cross-sectional cohort study from 362 hypertensive subjects. Demographic and clinical information were collected as well as laboratory, ultrasonographic and CVR estimation by the Framingham-REGICOR and SCORE functions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20,0). To analyze the data, statistical tests such as Chi-square, T-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. Results According to both functions, differences on mean cIMT were found between low CVR group and intermediate to high groups. No differences were found between intermediate and high risk groups (cIMT: 0,73 mm low risk patients vs. 0,89 or 0,88 mm respectively according to SCORE function and cIMT: 0,73 vs. 0,85 or 0,87 mm respectively according to Framingham-REGICOR function). cIMT correlated positively with CVR estimation according to both SCORE (r = 0,421; P<.01), and Framingham-REGICOR functions (r = 0,363; P<.01). Conclusions cIMT correlates positively with CVR estimated by SCORE and Framingham-REGICOR functions. cIMT in those subjects at intermediate risk is similar to those at high risk. Our findings highlight the importance of carotid ultrasound in identifying silent target-organ damage in those patients at intermediate CVR.