Carotid Artery IMT, Blood Pressure, and Fasted Glucose and Cholesterol Levels in Males and Females
Abstract
Previous studies have investigated carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and blood pressure (BP) and found a direct correlation between the two. Also, studies have examined IMT and blood glucose and cholesterol levels. It is known that young adult females have better cardiovascular health than males. To the best of our knowledge, no prior study has investigated the carotid artery IMT, BP, and blood glucose/cholesterol levels in relation to gender differences in young healthy adults. On three separate days, 37 adults (25.35 ±10.9yrs; 22M, 15F) underwent carotid IMT ultrasound, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), fasted glucose and cholesterol test, 24hr ambulatory BP monitoring, VO2max test, and body composition measurement (bioelectrical impedance). We found that females have lower systolic BP, lower LDL/HDL ratios, lower body mass index and a higher HDL count than males (p < 0.01 for all), all of which are markers of increased cardiovascular health. However, we found no gender differences in vascular health measures, IMT and FMD (p >0.05) Our results suggest that while adult females have better cardiovascular health than males, endothelial function may not yet be affected in the young adult years.
Department
Kinesiology
Publication Date
4-2015
Journal Title
The FASEB Journal
Publisher
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Cromwell CM, Lenzo JM, Oakman JE, Aichele KR, Neal MP, Bye NL, Chavis LN, Evans RC, Getty AK, Hill JA, Louth VC, Perez AN, Santaniello EL, Thiele KA, Wisdo TR, Feairheller DL. Carotid Artery IMT, Blood Pressure, and Fasted Glucose and Cholesterol Levels in Males and Females. FASEB. 29:1. Supp. 2015.