Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) Values in Black Togolese Subjects Without Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) is one method of assessing cardiovascular risk. Several normal ranges have been reported, particularly among Caucasians. However, few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of our study was to determine intima-media thickness values in Black Togolese subjects without cardiovascular risk factors and, specifically, to analyze these values in relation to anthropometric parameters Background and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted from August 1 to November 30, 2024, in the Kara region. Included in the study were patients or their companions without cardiovascular risk factors, based on a preliminary screening for the presence or absence of major cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, and abdominal obesity. Results: We included 104 subjects, aged between 19 and 73 years, with a mean age of 32.70 ± 13.56 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.36, with a predominance of males. Within our sample, the mean intima-media thickness (IMT) was 0.56 ± 0.10 mm when measured on the right and 0.58 ± 0.09 mm on the left. The mean IMT measured on the left was higher than that measured on the right. There was no significant difference between IMT measurements in women and men (p=0.87). With regard to age, we found a significant association between age and an increase in IMT values. Specifically, as age increases by one year, intima-media thickness increases on average by 0.0037 mm on the left (p=0.002) and by 0.0035 mm on the right (p=0.001). In our study, we found a correlation between variations in intima-media thickness values and body weight and body surface area. We did not find any significant variation between blood pressure levels, heart rate, and IMT values. Conclusion: This is the first study to determine IMT values in Black Togolese subjects without cardiovascular risk factors. While timely, multicenter studies are needed to determine normal IMT values in Black African subjects.