CAROTID INTIMA–MEDIA THICKNESS AS A MARKER OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease that often remains asymptomatic until advanced stages, leading to major cardiovascular events. Early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis is therefore crucial for risk stratification and prevention. Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, is a non-invasive, reliable surrogate marker that reflects early atherosclerotic changes and correlates with cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. Aims: To evaluate carotid intima–media thickness as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and to assess its association with various cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational case–control study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at BKL Walawalkar rural medical college, hospital, Chiplun from August 2023 to August 2025. A total of 52 consecutive angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease cases and 26 age- and gender-matched controls without coronary artery disease were enrolled based on a predetermined sample size. All participants underwent detailed clinical examination and relevant investigations using a predesigned and pretested proforma. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, and informed consent was obtained from all subjects prior to enrolment. Results: The study included 52 cases and 26 controls. Mean carotid intima–media thickness was significantly higher in cases, indicating increased subclinical atherosclerosis. Carotid plaque was present in 65.38% of cases compared to 23% of controls (p < 0.05). Cases showed significantly higher total cholesterol (190 ± 48.1 mg% vs. 170 ± 32.6 mg%), LDL cholesterol (118.2 ± 48.1 mg% vs. 96.3 ± 31.9 mg%), triglycerides (145.5 ± 39.2 mg% vs. 128.3 ± 25.8 mg%), post-prandial blood sugar (140.6 ± 38 mg% vs. 116.8 ± 25.6 mg%), and BMI (23.7 ± 2.2 vs. 22 ± 2.2 kg/m²), with lower HDL levels (42.9 ± 6 mg% vs. 47.7 ± 5.4 mg%) compared to controls. Moderate to severe carotid stenosis was observed only among cases