Fatma Kökcü, Recep Sade, Osman Demir, Sevgi Yılmaz, Muhammed Erkam Çeker, M. Battal, Zafer Özmen
Background/Aims: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of global mortality, often associated with atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a validated, non-invasive ultrasonographic marker for the early diagnosis and monitoring of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of atherosclerosis and related pathologies in the residents of Tokat city in the central Black Sea region using CIMT measurement on ultrasound. Methods: The study was conducted as a prospective field study. Carotid ultrasound examinations were performed on 822 participants living in Tokat province between September 2012 and July 2013. Data regarding demographics, lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol, diet, exercise), and medical history were collected via questionnaires. Additionally, participants underwent physical examinations and laboratory analyses, including lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c levels. Results: The average age of the participants was 47.2 years (45.2% male, 54.8% female). Increased CIMT was significantly associated with advanced age and male gender . Statistical analysis revealed that higher CIMT values correlated significantly with high LDL-C, high triglycerides, low HDL-C, smoking and elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) Furthermore, participants with hypertension and diabetes mellitus showed significantly higher CIMT values compared to those without these conditions .No significant relationship was found between CIMT and alcohol consumption or dietary characteristics. Conclusion: Advanced age, male gender, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are major risk factors for increased CIMT in this population. Ultrasonographic measurement of CIMT remains an effective, non-invasive, and easily applicable method for the early detection and monitoring of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals at risk.