A new ultrasound-based study published in Artery Research reveals that cigarette smoking causes early, measurable damage to the carotid arteries thereby increasing the risk of premature atherosclerosis. The research highlights carotid ultrasound as a valuable tool in identifying smokers at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

The retrospective, community-based case-control study included 100 adults aged 24–40: 50 smokers and 50 non-smokers. Using high-frequency Doppler ultrasound, researchers assessed carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and blood flow parameters. Smokers had a thicker carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (0.6 mm vs. 0.462 mm; p = 0.000) and the peak systolic velocity (PSV) was markedly higher in smokers (40.0 cm/s vs. 26.5 cm/s). End-diastolic velocity (EDV) was lower in smokers (6.0 cm/s vs. 9.8 cm/s), suggesting increased vascular resistance.  The resistive index (RI) and systolic-diastolic (S/D) ratio were not significantly different between groups.

The study reported a positive correlation of the number of cigarettes smoked daily with IMT thickness. Despite similar BMI and age across groups, these vascular changes were evident in young adult smokers. Researchers recommend that carotid Doppler ultrasound be used routinely to monitor vascular health in chronic smokers, even in the absence of symptoms.