Evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis and related risk factors using ultrasonic B-Flow technology in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to identify the risk factors for carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation using B-Flow ultrasound.

METHODS

In total, 120 patients who underwent bilateral carotid ultrasound examination were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The intima-media thickness was measured, and the risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation were investigated.

RESULTS

Age, sex, medical history of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes were risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the main risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation were male sex, advanced age, a high hemoglobin concentration, a high red cell distribution width, and a high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration.

CONCLUSION

The risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation were basically the same as those for stroke. Early ultrasound examination of the carotid artery enables the identification of risk factors associated with stroke.