Cardiovascular events strike 20 years earlier in Sub-Saharan Africa than Europe. Atherosclerosis risk factors vary by population and age. In a study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, the researchers compared carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) correlates in young and older African adults. They focused on hemodynamic and metabolic factors.
The study measured 573 adults: 181 young (<35 years), 231 middle-aged (35-59 years), 161 older (≥60 years). Assessments included central/peripheral pressures, lipids, glucose, HbA1c, smoking, and carotid IMT. Bivariate and multivariable analyses tested links. Logistic regression checked odds ratios (ORs) for increased IMT. Predictive improvements used statistical tests.
Young adults showed carotid IMT ties to backward wave pressure (Pb, p=0.001) and age (p=0.006). Middle-aged linked to central systolic BP (p=0.003), Pb (p=0.02), age (p=0.0002), BMI (p=0.005), heart rate (p=0.007). Older adults tied to Pb (p<0.0001), male sex (p=0.03), heart rate (p=0.04). Lipids showed no independent link at any age.
Increased IMT related to Pb in young (OR 1.233, p=0.0003) and older adults (OR 1.086, p=0.0059), and BMI in middle-aged (OR 1.089, p=0.0005). Pb improved IMT prediction in young (p=0.0032) and older (p=0.0031); BMI in middle-aged (p=0.0004). These cross-sectional findings highlight age-specific hemodynamic patterns over lipids.
