Carotid Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Characteristics Among High-Risk Cardiovascular Populations of Four Ethnic Groups - Yunnan Province, China, 2024.

INTRODUCTION: This study explored the distribution of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in high-risk individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) across four ethnic groups: the Han, Yi, Dai, and Lisu. METHODS: The China-PAR model was used to estimate 10-year CVD risk. Participants with a 10-year risk score of 10% or higher underwent carotid ultrasonography, biochemical tests for blood glucose, lipids, homocysteine, and a standardized physical examination. RESULTS: The Han had the lowest remnant cholesterol (Remnant-C) levels but the highest atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), triglyceride-glucose (TyG), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) levels. The Dai had the highest prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), and Remnant-C. The Lisu had the lowest prevalence of diabetes and HHcy but the highest rates of obesity, central obesity, and dyslipidemia. Yi had the lowest burden of overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia, and the continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS), AIP, TyG, and LAP.Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) differed minimally among ethnic groups (range: 0.81-0.85 mm). The Dai had the lowest prevalence of carotid plaque (CP) 15.27% (341/2,233), yet the highest prevalence of carotid stenosis (CS) 46.22% (1,032/2,233). In contrast, Lisu had the highest prevalence of CP 57.29% (495/864) and the lowest prevalence of CS 3.13% (27/864). The Han population had the highest prevalence of multiple CP 31.82% (6,081/19,109) and CAS 74.79% (14,291/19,019), while the Yi population had the lowest prevalence 70.53% (3,453/4,896). CONCLUSION: The marked ethnic differences in CAS and metabolic status should be taken into account in future CVD prevention and control strategies.