Korean J Fam Med.  2014 May;35(3):136-142. 10.4082/kjfm.2014.35.3.136.

Gallstones are Associated with Intima-Media Thickness of Common Carotid Arteries in Men

• Kim JH
• Ryoo JG
• Lee JW
• Kim JH

• KMID: 1978538
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2014.35.3.136

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The prevalence of gallstone disease is increasing in Korea. Gallstone disease and atherosclerosis share common risk factors. Ultrasonographic carotid intima-media thickness is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis. We measured the carotid intima-media thickness among men who had gallstones to establish the association between atherosclerosis and gallstones.
METHODS
A total of 330 men who visited the health promotion center of the IS Hallym Hospital from January 2011 to July 2012 were recruited. Both abdomen and carotid ultrasonographies were performed. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected.
RESULTS
The prevalence of gallstones was 6.6%. The carotid intima-media thickness, age, and body mass index were higher in subjects with gallstones (P < 0.05 for all). After Pearson correlation analysis, gallstone, age, body mass index, and fasting blood sugar were significantly associated with carotid intima-media thickness. A statistically positive association between gallstone and carotid intima-media thickness was demonstrated in a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, and fasting blood sugar.
CONCLUSION
Carotid intima-media thickness is higher in male subjects with gallstones, indicating that they are at greater risk for atherosclerosis.

Keyword

Gallstones; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Atherosclerosis; Men

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Atherosclerosis
Blood Glucose
Body Mass Index
Carotid Artery, Common*
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Fasting
Gallstones*
Health Promotion
Humans
Korea
Male
Multivariate Analysis
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Blood Glucose