Correlation between Carotid Artery Intima Media Thickness & Body Mass Index in Adult Hypertensive Patients using Bright Mode & Colour Doppler Ultrasonography

Abstract

Introduction: Atherosclerosis remains a leading contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), assessed using B-mode ultrasonography, is widely recognized as a reliable surrogate marker for subclinical atherosclerosis. Hypertension and elevated body mass index (BMI) are established risk factors implicated in vascular remodeling. This study aimed to evaluate the association between CIMT and BMI among hypertensive adults.

Aim & Objective: To measure CIMT using B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography and to calculate BMI in adult hypertensive individuals, and to determine the correlation between these parameters for early identification of vascular complications.

Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 participants (75 hypertensive and 75 normotensive) aged over 30 years. CIMT was measured at multiple segments of the common carotid artery using a 5–13 MHz linear transducer. BMI was calculated using Quetelet’s formula. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and chi-square test.

Results: The mean age of participants was 61.7 ± 12.3 years. Hypertensive individuals exhibited significantly higher CIMT values compared to normotensive controls. Obesity was observed in 42% of the study population. CIMT demonstrated a strong positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.843, p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.814, p < 0.001), and hypertension grade (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). In contrast, the correlation between CIMT and BMI was weak and not statistically significant (r = 0.126, p = 0.069). Carotid plaques were detected in 45.33% of participants.

Conclusion: CIMT was strongly associated with the severity of hypertension, whereas BMI did not show a significant independent correlation. These findings suggest that effective blood pressure control may play a more pivotal role than BMI alone in mitigating subclinical atherosclerosis in this population.

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