Relationships Between Intima Media Thickness (IMT) and Lipid Profile in Smokers and Non-Smokers

Abstract

ABSTRACT A total number of 65 subjects (of them, 38 males and 27 females) had accomplished the full requirements of present research which included carotid Doppler ultrasonography and investigations of plasma lipid profile. Doppler ultrasonography was done to measure the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the right and left common and internal carotid arteries (CCA and ICA respectively). Lipid profile has involved investigation of plasma low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, triglyceride and total cholesterol (LDL, HDL, TG and TC respectively). No significant sex differences were observed in lipid profile but significantly strong relations were found between IMT and age, LDL, HDL, TG, TC, in non-smokers (n=46 p<0.05), but not in smokers (n=19). After adjustments for age, IMT was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. It is suggested that age, smoking, and plasma lipid concentrations were strongly related risk factors for IMT. Further comprehensive researches are suggested to avoid the impact of small population size on the unexplained outcomes.