Age and Sex Differences in Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Author Information
Author(s): Myasoedova Veronika A., Ravani Alessio L., Frigerio Beatrice, Moschetta Donato, Valerio Vincenza, Massaiu Ilaria, Amato Mauro, Baldassarre Damiano, Poggio Paolo
Primary Institution: Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS
Hypothesis
Is subclinical atherosclerosis the same disease in men and women or two pathologies with different etiology?
Conclusion
Classical risk factors for cardiovascular disease have a comparable effect on carotid intima-media thickness in both sexes, but the disease manifests about 10 years later in women.
Supporting Evidence
- Men had greater common carotid intima-media thickness compared to women.
- The study included 90 studies with a total of 165,551 subjects.
- Age-related cIMT is equal between sexes but postponed by 10 years in women.
- Classical cardiovascular risk factors have a comparable effect on cIMT in both sexes.
- Men showed higher mean cIMT levels at all age decades compared to women.
Takeaway
Men's arteries are thicker than women's, but women develop heart issues about 10 years later than men.
Methodology
A systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzing 90 studies with a total of 165,551 subjects.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias was assessed but not found significant.
Limitations
The study was not prospectively registered, did not consider maximum IMT or carotid plaque, and racial aspects were not included.
Participant Demographics
76,955 men and 88,553 women with a mean age of 51 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.49–0.96
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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