Relationship between Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Selected Anthropometric Variables

Abstract

Background: A large number of studies have emphasized the significance of the association between increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and increased cardiovascular risk. Incorporation of a measurement of CIMT into the conventional work-up of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors has been suggested to improve prediction of CV risk. In spite of all these studies, there is limited research on CIMT, CVD risk factors and its associations with anthropometric indices of obesity in indigenous African populations. In order to apply these ultrasound measurements with confidence, there was the need for quantitative data to show the relationship between CIMT, and anthropometric variables in determining cardiovascular disease risk in sub-Saharan African (SSA) population. Aim: The study determined the association between CIMT and some selected anthropometric variables in assessing cardiovascular disease risk in hypertensive Ghanaians. Methodology: A study population of 500 adults aged from 40 to 60years was considered. Common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) ultrasound measurements of the participants were taken at the Clinical Trial Unit of the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo. Participant’s data on demographics, obesity related anthropometry variables as well as CVD risk variables were collected for statistical analysis. Results: The Spearman correlation conducted showed that CIMT was positively associated with waist to hip ratio (WHR). CCIMT also showed significant association with BP, HDL, LDL, smoking and alcohol intake status. Conclusion: The study established the existence of significant association between CIMT and WHR in assessing CVD risk in hypertensive Ghanaians.