[Prevalence and correlation factors of carotid atherosclerosis among the middle and old aged workers in an iron and steel corporation, Chongqing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and correlation factors of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) among workers of Chongqing Iron and Steel Corporation, and to offer information for the development of prevention program for cerebro-vascular disease. METHODS: 512 asymptomatic individuals (mean age 56.8 years, ranged from 45 to 80) from the subsidiary workshop of Chongqing Iron and Steel Corporation were recruited. Demographic data and serum were collected and the internal-media thickness (IMT) of the CAS and the extent of plaque formation were evaluated by B-mode ultrasound. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the correlation factors of CAS. Results (1) The overall prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis among the iron and steel workers was 37.6%. IMT was found as 10.2% , with the prevalence rates of nonstenotic plaque and stenotic plaque were 25.0% and 2.4% respectively. (2) It was shown by logistic regression analysis that age (OR = 1.289, 95% CI: 1.014-1.568, P < 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.420, 95% CI: 0.802-3.872, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR= 4.530, 95% CI: 3.952-6.753, P < 0.001) , diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.285, 95% CI: 1.008-5.057, P < 0.001), HsCRP (OR = 1.273, 95% CI: 0.479-2.889, P = 0.037), TC (OR = 1.032, 95% CI: 0.320-1.882, P = 0.047) and LDL-C (OR = 2.313, 95% CI: 1.237-4.331, P = 0.008) were significantly associated with the severity of CAS. (3) Prevalence of the CAS increased with the increasing number of correlation factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CAS among the iron and steel workers was higher than those in ordinary people of the same age. Age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, HsCRP, TC and LDL-C were independent risk factors related to CAS. The prevalence of CAS was increasing parallel to the number of correlation factors.