Objective: To explore the association of baseline cholesterol level in 1992 and its 10-year change from 1992 to 2002 with the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis.
Methods: In 1992, 1985 subjects of the community of Peking University, aged 35 - 64, underwent physical examination and blood-lipid test to study the cardio-vascular disease (CVD) risk factors. In 2002, the second survey on CVD risk factors was conducted among the existing 1932 subjects, now aged 45 - 74. In addition, B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid artery was performed too. The complete data of 1331 subjects were analyzed.
Results: (1) In 2002, the prevalence rates of intimal medial thickening (IMT) and carotid plaque in the study population were 47.8% and 29.9% respectively. (2) The post-10-year prevalence rate of carotid plaque was 19.7% in the subjects with the baseline cholesterol < 3.64 mmol/L, and was 46.8% in those with the baseline cholesterol 6.24 mmol/L, with a thickening rate 3.1 times that of the subjects with the baseline cholesterol < 3.64 mmol/L. The higher the baseline TV level, the higher the prevalence rates of carotid plaque and IMT. (3) The prevalence rate of carotid plaque was 32.0% in the subjects with normal TC in both 1992 and 2002, and 50.0% in those with hypercholesterolemia in both 1992 and 2002.
Conclusion: Carotid atherosclerosis is a prevalent disorder in the people aged 45 - 74 in Beijing. The prevalence rates of carotid plaque and IMT increase with the elevation of baseline cholesterol level.