Carotid Plaques Correlates in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. We compared factors associated with the presence of carotid plaques and carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, in 241 patients with FH (98, 40.7% men; mean age 41 ± 18.4 years). Patients with FH having carotid plaques (36.5%) had mean age, apolipoprotein (apo) B, glucose, apoA1, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP, waist/hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index higher than patients without plaques. Logistic regression revealed that apoB (odds ratio [OR] per 1 unit change 1.03, P = .005), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; OR per 1 standard deviation [SD] change 0.59, P = .015), and non-HDL-C (OR per 1SD change 1.53, P = .04) were significantly associated with the presence of plaques. The cIMT correlated with obesity parameters, BP, apoB, glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, creatinine, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alanine transaminase ( P < .001). Regression analysis revealed that cIMT was significantly associated with apoB, SBP, and WHR. These results confirm the role of apoB-containing lipoproteins and low HDL-C with the presence of carotid plaques and apoB, BP, and WHR with cIMT.

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AB0258 CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS AND SERUM BIOMARKERS IN PARAGUAYAN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.6520 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1428.2-1428

Author(s):

V. Valinotti ◽

A. Paats ◽

R. Acosta ◽

L. Roman ◽

I. Acosta-Colman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Serum Biomarkers ◽

Carotid Plaques ◽

Media Thickness ◽

Hs Crp

Background:The mechanism of increased cardiovascular risk in RA is not well understood and is independent of traditional CV risk factors. Intima-media thickness of the common carotid wall measured by ultrasonogram is a safe and useful biomarker of early stage atherosclerosis that correlates with coronary involvement; and it correlates with severity and duration of disease. Several studies have shown a relationship between inflammation markers, endothelial dysfunction markers, and carotid involvement. (1)Objectives:To determine the presence of inflammation biomarkers and its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis measured by carotid ultrasound, and with the clinical characteristics in patients with established Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Methods:Descriptive, cross sectional, prospective study, in a Paraguayan cohort of patients with RA meeting ACR/EULAR2010 criteria. This study had two phases: the first one, included a standardized questionnaire according to the variables included in the Cardiovascular Risk project (PINV15-0346), from the National Sciences and Technology Council (CONACYT), and physical examination; the second one included laboratory sample collection performed by a specialized laboratory for serum biomarkers measurement for cardiovascular risk prediction (i.e endothelin, alpha-TNF, E-selectin, homocysteine, apolipoprotein, fibrinogen, and high sensitivity-CRP levels) and carotid ultrasound evaluation by a trained specialist, to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) >0,9mm and/or presence of carotid plaques. All patients signed informed consent. SPSS 23rd version was used for data analysis. Quantitative variables were presented as means and qualitative as frequencies. Chi square test was performed for comparisons between dichotomous variables and t Student for continuous, and p ≤ 0.05 for statistical significance.Results:100 patients were included, 87% were women, mean disease duration 130.9±102.64 months, 77% were RF positive, and 84.4% were ACPA positive, 43.4% had bone erosions, mean ESR-DAS28 was 3,42±1,1; 30% had remission criteria. 39% had extra-articular manifestations.Elevated serum biomarkers were found: fibrinogen >400 mg/dL 88.2%, high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP) >5mg/dL 42.9%, endothelin >2 ng/mL 20%, alpha-TNF >15,6 pg/mL 13.1%, E-selectin >79,2 ng/mL 6%. 25.3% had CIMT >0,9 mm and mean CIMT was 0.68±0.25mm. 27.14% had carotid plaques. Patients with CIMT>1mm had higher frequency of family history of arterial hypertension (p=0.006), greater mean disease duration (p=0.0007), hip circumference (p=0.014), blood pressure (SBP p=0.038, DBP p=0.027), HAQ levels (p=0,019) and hs-CRP levels (p=0.013), also lower mean height (p=0,04); while carotid plaques were related to higher homocysteine (p=0.026) and hs-CRP levels (p=0.024).Conclusion:A considerable percentage of patients had subclinical atherosclerosis. Patients with CIMT>0,9mm had a longer disease duration, higher HAQ levels, hip circumference, as well as higher BP. High levels of hs-CRP were more frequently related to the presence of subclinical atherosclerosisReferences:[1]Aday, A. targeting residual inflammatory risk: a shifting paradigm for atherosclerotic disease. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 2019. 6:16.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6403155/pdf/fcvm-06-00016.pdfDisclosure of Interests:None declared

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Abstract 441: Gamma-glutamyltransferase and Markers of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Psoriasis

Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology ◽

10.1161/atvb.36.suppl_1.441 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Kenan Demircioglu ◽

Feyza Aksu ◽

Mustafa Caliskan ◽

Yusuf Yilmaz

Keyword(s):

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Control Group ◽

Gamma Glutamyltransferase ◽

Glucose Levels ◽

Hs Crp

Introduction: Gamma-glutamyltransferase(GGT) plays a catalytic role in degradation of glutathione. Serum GGT is accepted as a marker of oxidative stress.The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum GGT levels and epicardial adipose tissue (EFT) thickness, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) measurements in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The study population included 89 patients with psoriasis and 79 healthy volunteers. After overnight fasting, blood samples were taken for to determine blood glucose levels and establishing cholesterol profiles including TG, TC, LDL cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; GGT; and high- sensitivity C-reaktive protein (hs-CRP) levels. A high-resolution B-mode ultrasound machine (Toshiba, aplio XU) with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer used for examing CIMT.The right common carotid artery (CCA), approximately 1 cm proximal to the bifurcation, was longitudinally selected and CIMT was defined as the distance between the intima and the media. Results: 89 patients with psoriasis (age:41.7±10.9 years;41 women, 48 men), and 71 healthy control subjects (age:40.4±8.2 years;39 women, 32 men) were included. There were no significant variation for age and sex between two groups(p>0.05).The hs-CRP and GGT values were significantly higher in psoriasis, compared with the controls (hs-CRP:1.35(0.9-3.6)mg/l for psoriasis group, 0.45(0.29-0.79)mg/l for control group, p<0.001; GGT:20.6±9.6 U/l for psoriasis group, 16.7±8.0 U/l for control group, p=0.02. In psoriatic patients, CIMT and EFT were significantly inreased (0.60(0.50-0.68)mm vs. 0.50 (0.40-0.60)mm;p=0.007, 0.67±0.20cm; 0.27±0.12cm; p<0.001, respectively) compared with the control group. CIMT significantly positively correlated with EFT, age, BMI, diastolic BP and GGT.EFT significantly positively correlated with GGT, CIMT, age, hs-CRP, systolic BP and TG and negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol. Discussion: The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis in psoriasis is not fully explained.GGT may be used as an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis like CRP.

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High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Carotid Intima Media Thickness as Markers of Subclinical Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Pediatric Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25215118 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (21) ◽

pp. 5118

Author(s):

Lana Blinc ◽

Matej Mlinaric ◽

Tadej Battelino ◽

Urh Groselj

Keyword(s):

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Low Grade ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Atherosclerosis Progression ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Media Thickness

Hypercholesterolemia is a major cause of atherosclerosis development and premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). It leads to inflammation, which further accelerates atherosclerosis progression. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by elevated serum LDL-c from birth, due to a disease-causing variant in one of the causative genes (LDLR, APOB, PCSK9). In polygenic hypercholesterolemia (PH), the disease-causing genetic variant is absent; it is likely the cumulative result of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms in LDL metabolism-related genes and other factors, such as lifestyle and environment. In high risk groups, such as patients with FH, an effective primary prevention of CVD must begin in childhood. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) are two potential minimally invasive correlates of inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis progression. hsCRP and cIMT have been shown to be significantly increased in patients with FH and PH relative to healthy controls, with some studies yielding conflicting results. In this review, we aim to summarize current knowledge and recent findings regarding the applicability of hsCRP and cIMT as markers of low-grade inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis, focusing especially on children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia.

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Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome is not associated with an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keaa116 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 59 (12) ◽

pp. 3709-3716 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alessandra Bettiol ◽

Giacomo Emmi ◽

Martina Finocchi ◽

Elena Silvestri ◽

Maria Letizia Urban ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Control Groups ◽

Carotid Plaques ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome ◽

Obstetric Aps ◽

Negative Controls ◽

And Control

Abstract Objectives The persistent positivity of aPLs, either isolated or associated with thrombotic and/or obstetric events (APS), has been associated with the increase of intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques. Despite the fact that aPLs can promote both thrombotic and obstetric complications, some pathogenic differences have been documented between the two entities. This study aimed to evaluate whether the atherosclerotic risk differs between subjects with obstetric and thrombotic APS. Methods A total of 167 APS women (36 obstetric and 131 thrombotic) were compared with 250 aPLs negative controls. IMT of the common carotid artery (CCA) and of the bulb and the prevalence of carotid plaques were assessed. Results CCA- and bulb-IMT were significantly higher in women with thrombotic APS, while being similar between the obstetric APS and the controls [CCA-IMT: mean (s.d.) 0.97 (0.49), 0.78 (0.22) and 0.81 (0.12) mm for the thrombotic, obstetric and control groups, respectively, P < 0.001 between thrombotic and controls, P = 0.002 between thrombotic and obstetric; bulb-IMT: mean (s.d.) 1.38 (0.79), 0.96 (0.27) and 0.96 (0.51) mm for the thrombotic, obstetric and control groups, P < 0.001]. Women with thrombotic APS had significantly increased risk of presenting carotid plaques. This risk was significantly lower in obstetric APS. Conclusion Unlike thrombotic APS, obstetric APS is not associated with an increase of markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. If confirmed on wider populations, these results could suggest different pathogenetic role of aPLs in promoting atherosclerosis in vascular and obstetric APS, and raise questions on the risk–benefit profile of thromboprophylaxis in obstetric APS outside pregnancy periods.

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Correlating Carotid Intima-Media Thickness With Lipid Profile: Does It Improve Sonographic Diagnosis of Subclinical Atherosclerosis?

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography ◽

10.1177/8756479319867617 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 453-458 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Felicitas U. Idigo ◽

Eberechukwu N. Ayogu ◽

Sobechukwu W. I. Onwuzu ◽

Angel-Mary C. Anakwue ◽

Uloma B. Nwogu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Profile ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Lipid Profiles ◽

Media Thickness ◽

Measure Of Association ◽

Atherosclerotic Changes

Objective. The purpose of this prospective study was to ascertain if lipid profile parameters could serve as predictors of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), which, when combined, may improve the sensitivity of sonographic CIMT measurement in the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerotic changes. Methods. The lipid profiles and CIMT of 181 subjects without cardiovascular risk factors were measured at the internal, external, common, and bulbar segments. Results. The mean CIMT values obtained were 0.620 ± 0.055 cm for men and 0.575 ± 0.051 cm for women, and the η2 values (η2 < 0.04) were used as a measure of association. Across all segments of both carotid arteries, lipid profiles were significantly and moderately associated with but not predictive of CIMT (fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein: η2 = 0.99–0.24). Conclusions. Although lipid profiles were moderately associated with CIMT, they are not significant predictors; hence, combining them with CIMT does not improve the diagnostic sensitivity of sonography in atherosclerosis screening.

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Abstract P074: Restless Legs Syndrome and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Women

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.131.suppl_1.p074 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Karen Jacobo ◽

Adriana Monge ◽

Eduardo Ortiz-Panozo ◽

Elsa Yunes ◽

Andres Catzin-Khulmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Restless Legs Syndrome ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Restless Legs ◽

Media Thickness ◽

Increased Risk

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common chronic disorder characterized by an irresistible need to move the lower limbs that is usually worse in the evening and is associated with sleep disturbances. RLS has been associated with hypertension and has been proposed as a marker for increased cardiovascular risk. Hypothesis: Individuals with RLS have an increased common carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) relative to individuals without RLS. Methods: We evaluated cross-sectional relation of RLS and cIMT in 1,147 disease-free Mexican women of the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort. In 2011, participants responded to a follow-up questionnaire that included standardized questions addressing the four minimal diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Study Group. Participants were asked: “Do you have unpleasant leg sensations (like crawling, loss of sensation or pain) combined with restlessness and an urge to move your legs?”, “Do these symptoms occur only at rest?”, “Does moving improve these symptoms?”, “Are these symptoms worse in the evening or at night compared with the morning?” Women who answered yes to all the four questions were defined as having RLS. Between 2012 and 2013, a subsample of participants were invited for a clinical visit where neurologists assessed cIMT with an ultrasound. cIMT measurements were found to be reproducible in a substudy in 52 participants (intra-class correlation=0.89). We defined subclinical atherosclerosis as a cIMT ≥0.8 mm or the presence of plaque. Results: Among women with a mean age of 48.2 (SD±4.3), the prevalence of RLS was 14.2% (cases, 163). The age-adjusted mean difference of cIMT comparing participants with RLS to those without RLS was 0.009mm (95%CI -0.004 to 0.023). After further adjustment for diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, migraine, oral contraceptive use, menopause, smoking, body mass index, physical activity and alcohol, the mean difference of cIMT comparing participants with and without RLS was not statistically different (0.007mm; 95%CI -0.007 to 0.021). The prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was 27% (n=44) in those with RLS and 21.9% (n=215) in those without RLS. The age-adjusted OR comparing women with RLS to those without RLS was 1.23 (95%CI 0.83-1.82). In the multivariable model the OR remained non-significant (1.16, 95%CI 0.77-1.74). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study in middle-aged women, RLS was not associated to cIMT. Our results do not support the observation that individuals with RLS are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

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Association of prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia with subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic Chinese: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019829 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e019829 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Bo Liu ◽

Zhihao Chen ◽

Xiaoqi Dong ◽

Guangming Qin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

ObjectivesComorbid hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia is an important risk factor for carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation. We put forward the hypothesis that the subjects with comorbid prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia also had an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, using carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) as the marker of the atherosclerotic process.MethodsA total of 4102 asymptomatic Chinese subjects aged 18–60 years were divided into four groups according to blood pressure (BP) and homocysteine (HCY) level: the control group without prehypertension or hyperhomocysteinemia, isolated prehypertension group, simple hyperhomocysteinemia group and prehypertension with hyperhomocysteinemia group. Serum lipids, fasting blood glucose (FBG), HCY and CIMT were measured.ResultsThere was significant difference in the positive rates of increased CIMT among four groups. Compared with the controls, the subjects in the other three groups had a higher risk of increased CIMT (isolated prehypertension group, OR 2.049, 95% CI 1.525 to 2.754; simple hyperhomocysteinemia group, OR 2.145, 95% CI 1.472 to 3.125; prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia group, OR 3.199, 95% CI 2.362 to 4.332). However, by multiple logistic regression analysis, only comorbid prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia was independently associated with increased CIMT (OR 1.485, 95% CI 1.047 to 2.108, P<0.05).ConclusionsComorbid prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia was an independent risk factor of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic Chinese, but isolated prehypertension or hyperhomocysteinemia was not. Therefore, combined intervention for prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to decrease the incident of cardiovascular disease.

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The Association between HDL-C and Subclinical Atherosclerosis Depends on CETP Plasma Concentration: Insights from the IMPROVE Study

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines9030286 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 286

Author(s):

Gualtiero Colombo ◽

Vanessa Bianconi ◽

Alice Bonomi ◽

Sara Simonelli ◽

Mauro Amato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽

Full Cohort ◽

Single Nucleotide ◽

Transfer Protein ◽

The Impact ◽

Drug Free

The impact of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on atherosclerosis is highly debated. This study aimed to investigate the associations between plasma CETP or CETP genotypes and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and the influence of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on these associations. Plasma CETP and HDL-C concentrations were measured in 552 subjects free of any pharmacological treatment from the IMPROVE cohort, which includes 3711 European subjects at high cardiovascular risk. CETP single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cIMT measures (cIMTmax; cIMTmean–max of bifurcations, common and internal carotids; plaque-free common carotid [PF CC]-IMTmean) were available for the full cohort. In drug-free subjects, plasma CETP correlated with HDL-C levels (r = 0.19, p < 0.0001), but not with cIMT variables. When stratified according to HDL-C quartiles, CETP positively correlated with cIMTmax and cIMTmean–max, but not with PF CC-IMTmean, in the top HDL-C quartile only. Positive associations between the CETP concentration and cIMTmax or cIMTmean–max were found in the top HDL-C quartile, whereas HDL-C levels were negatively correlated with cIMTmax and cIMTmean–max when the CETP concentration was below the median (HDL-C × CETP interaction, p = 0.001 and p = 0.003 for cIMTmax and cIMTmean–max, respectively). In the full cohort, three CETP SNPs (rs34760410, rs12920974, rs12708968) were positively associated with cIMTmax. rs12444708 exhibited a significant interaction with HDL-C levels in the prediction of cIMTmax. In conclusion, a significant interplay was found between plasma CETP and/or CETP genotype and HDL-C in the prediction of carotid plaque thickness, as indexed by cIMTmax. This suggests that the association of HDL-C with carotid atherosclerosis is CETP-dependent.

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Association of Childhood Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Phenotypes with the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) in Early Adulthood: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-836884/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Majid Valizadeh ◽

Erfan Tasdighi ◽

Maryam Barzin ◽

Ramyar Hariri ◽

Maryam Mahdavi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

International Diabetes Federation ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Metabolic Phenotypes ◽

Media Thickness ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Low Hdl

Abstract Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) during adolescence has shown an increasing trend. This study aimed to investigate the association of MetS and metabolic phenotypes with a high carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in early adulthood in the framework of a large cohort study. Methods: MetS was defined as proposed by Cook, de Ferranti, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), and the pediatric International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Metabolic phenotypes were defined based on the binary clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. The participants were followed up for 18.2 years. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for a high CIMT incidence (≥95th percentile).Results: In this study, 862 adolescents (52.3% males), with the mean age of 13.4±2.2 years, were included. The presence of MetS, based on the definitions proposed by Cook (OR=1.90, 95% CI: 1.01-3.57, P=0.046) and de Ferranti (OR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.04-2.90, P=0.033), was associated with the increased risk of a high CIMT in early adulthood. Metabolic phenotypes, including high waist circumference (WC)/hypertension (HTN), high WC/low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and high triglyceride (TG)/high WC, showed higher risks of a high CIMT. However, these positive associations become insignificant after adjusting for the adulthood BMI, except for the high WC/low HDL-C phenotype (OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.02-4.11, P=0.044). Conclusion: The high WC/low HDL-C phenotype had a better predictive value and could be used as a simpler alternative for MetS to identify adolescents with a higher risk of high CIMT during early adulthood.

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