Increased maximum common carotid intima-media thickness is associated with smoking and hypertension in Tochigi Prefecture residents.

Objective: We investigated maximum intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT-C) in residents of Tochigi Prefecture, who have been reported to have high stroke mortality.

Method: Our study included 840 individuals. All participants underwent carotid ultrasonography and answered a questionnaire during participation in a health festival in Tochigi Prefecture. The questionnaire was designed to collect information on age, gender, and risk factors for stroke. IMT-C was measured. Statistical analyses were performed to identify factors contributing to IMT-C values ≥1.1 mm.

Results: In total, 117 subjects had an IMT-C value ≥1.1 mm. IMT-C correlated significantly with age, current smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and previous symptomatic stroke (p < 0.05) in univariate analysis. Current smoking (p < 0.001, odds ratio 3.88) and hypertension (p = 0.0070, odds ratio 1.83) were seen as significant contributing factors to IMT-C ≥1.1 mm in logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, gender, and previous symptomatic stroke.

Conclusion: We identified current smoking and hypertension as the most significant contributing factors to increased IMT-C in residents of Tochigi Prefecture, emphasizing the importance of routine blood pressure monitoring and anti-smoking education in this population.