OBJECTIVES: A family history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, the mechanisms underlying this susceptibility have not been fully elucidated. The authors hypothesized that an important mediator of the familial incidence of IHD is subclinical atherosclerosis, which is detectable by noninvasive imaging. METHODS: One hundred forty-seven consecutive subjects (mean age 61.9 years, 57% men) were studied for one year using carotid ultra-sonogrophy for general medical screening, and familial IHD events were validated. Using a 7.5 MHz linear array transducer, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaque were assessed. Subjects were subsequently divided into four groups based on the severity of IMT. RESULTS: The familial incidence of IHD and incidence of plaque were associated with the severity of IMT. No significant differences in risk factors were found between subjects with and without a family history of IHD. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis, as assessed in the carotid arteries, is more prevalent in individuals with a family history of IHD.
OBJECTIVES: A family history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, the mechanisms underlying this susceptibility have not been fully elucidated. The authors hypothesized that an important mediator of the familial incidence of IHD is subclinical atherosclerosis, which is detectable by noninvasive imaging. METHODS: One hundred forty-seven consecutive subjects (mean age 61.9 years, 57% men) were studied for one year using carotid ultra-sonogrophy for general medical screening, and familial IHD events were validated. Using a 7.5 MHz linear array transducer, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaque were assessed. Subjects were subsequently divided into four groups based on the severity of IMT. RESULTS: The familial incidence of IHD and incidence of plaque were associated with the severity of IMT. No significant differences in risk factors were found between subjects with and without a family history of IHD. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis, as assessed in the carotid arteries, is more prevalent in individuals with a family history of IHD.
Authors: Mary J Roman; Beth-Ann Shanker; Adrienne Davis; Michael D Lockshin; Lisa Sammaritano; Ronit Simantov; Mary K Crow; Joseph E Schwartz; Stephen A Paget; Richard B Devereux; Jane E Salmon Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2003-12-18 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: A R Folsom; J H Eckfeldt; S Weitzman; J Ma; L E Chambless; R W Barnes; K B Cram; R G Hutchinson Journal: Stroke Date: 1994-01 Impact factor: 7.914
Authors: Priscilla Y Hsue; Joan C Lo; Arlana Franklin; Ann F Bolger; Jeffrey N Martin; Steven G Deeks; David D Waters Journal: Circulation Date: 2004-03-15 Impact factor: 29.690
Authors: Mikko J Järvisalo; Maria Raitakari; Jyri O Toikka; Anne Putto-Laurila; Riikka Rontu; Seppo Laine; Terho Lehtimäki; Tapani Rönnemaa; Jorma Viikari; Olli T Raitakari Journal: Circulation Date: 2004-03-15 Impact factor: 29.690