Age associated increase in intima media thickness in adults.

Carotid Imaging is the Gold Standard that provides useful information about the structure and function of carotid arteries. It is used to measure carotid intima-media thickness and provides useful information about the cardiovascular status of an individual so that early preventive measures for any future risk can be introduced. High resolution B-mode ultrasound imaging has emerged as one of the methods of choice for determining the anatomic extent of atherosclerosis and its progression and for assessing cardiovascular risks. These measurements correlate well with other pathologic changes. The present study was undertaken to see the relation of the intimal thickening with age using B-mode carotid ultrasound imaging technique. 60 subjects in the age group of 20-85 years were included in the study. As arterial parameters are markedly altered by essential hypertension and other risk factors, subjects showing these risk factors were excluded. A significant association between advancing age and intima-media thickness (P < 0.0000001) was found and increase in the luminal diameter of the carotid arteries was observed but it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Age is an independent risk factor for increased IMT which predicts future coronary events. The intima media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery measured by ultrasound imaging has been shown to be reliable and early marker of systemic atherosclerosis. Routine use of this technique in clinical settings could improve our ability to decide on preventive therapies to reduce the risk for development of clinical