Carotid Ultrasound Identifies High Risk Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Adults with Low Framingham Risk Scores

Thirty-eight percent of asymptomatic young to middle-aged individuals with FRS ≤ 5% have abnormal carotid ultrasound findings associated with increased risk for CV events. Pharmacologic therapy for CV prevention was recommended in the majority of these individuals. The lack of radiation exposure, relatively low cost, and ability to detect early-stage atherosclerosis suggest that carotid ultrasound for CIMT and plaque detection should continue to be explored as a primary tool for CV risk stratification in young to middle-aged adults with low FRS.