Application of quality intima-media thickness test in assessing carotid vascular function in obese people at high altitudes and risk of coronary heart disease

Objective: Our aim was to investigate application of the quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) technique in evaluating carotid vascular function in obese people who live at high altitudes and correlation between carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: People living in high altitude areas were enrolled in our study. There were 228 obese people (obese group) and 150 healthy normal people (normal group). Participants from both groups received measurements of IMT using QIMT method and risks of CHD were evaluated using the 10-year risk prediction model for ischemic cardiovascular diseases (ICVD) in Chinese population. Association between IMT and risk of CHD was studied. Results: We found that the value of common carotid artery IMT in obese group (0.67±0.11 mm) was higher than in normal group (0.55±0.07 mm). Compared to people in normal group, those in obese group had higher risk of CHD with greater risk score (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that IMT>0.9 mm was an independent risk factor for CHD (P=0.028, after adjustment OR=3.631, 95% CI=1.152-11.441). Conclusion: QIMT method can effectively measure IMT and assist in predicting risk of CHD for obese people living at high altitudes.