Intima-media thickness predicts stroke risk in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study in association with vascular risk factors, age and gender

▸ Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (CIMT) is a moderate independent stroke predictor in addition to established risk factors. ▸ In the Heinz Nixdorf Recall cohort, it predicts stroke in men but not in women. ▸ CIMT predicts stroke especially in the elderly population. ▸ It discriminates stroke risk in subjects belonging to the highest Framingham risk score tercile.