Factors associated with carotid atherosclerosis in community‐dwelling oldest elderly aged over 80 years

Background:  Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance and smoking have been known to be risk factors for atherosclerosis. Recently, it was shown that hyperhomocysteinemia is also a risk factor for cerebral vascular disease and atherosclerosis. However, it is unknown if these are also risk factors in the oldest elderly population aged 80 years or older. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis to determine the associated factors with carotid atherosclerosis in the oldest elderly living in the community. Methods:  Subjects consisted of 136 oldest elderly aged 80 years or older living in the community. Blood pressure, orthostatic change of blood pressure, blood chemical parameters, height and bodyweight, lifestyle and medical history were examined. The thickness was measured of the total carotid artery intima-media complex (IMT) by carotid artery ultrasonography and used the maximum thickness (max IMT) for analysis. Results:  The factors that correlated with max IMT were age and low γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in males, and serum homocysteine levels in females. The subjects were divided into two groups: those with a max IMT of less than 1.0 mm and those with that of 1.0 mm or more. Factors associated with max IMT were age and abstinence from alcohol in males, and orthostatic blood pressure change in females. Factors significantly associated with higher carotid artery IMT were aging in males and orthostatic blood pressure change in females. Conclusion:  The factors associated with carotid artery IMT as an indicator of carotid atherosclerosis in community-dwelling oldest elderly aged 80 years or older were sex, aging, orthostatic blood pressure change and no alcohol intake. There were differences in risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis between the male and female population.