Carotid bifurcation atherosclerosis in the over-65s: a prevalence study.

AIM:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carotid stenosis (CS) in the over-65 population segment residing in a catchment area (Gijón) served by the Asturias Health Service (Spain) as a necessary step in planning medical care for treating cerebrovascular disease in the elderly. METHODS:In this descriptive transversal study, 232 subjects (114 men and 118 women) randomly chosen from health card data underwent colour-flow duplex scanning of the supra-aortic trunks. RESULTS:The prevalence of CS in this sample was 21.5%. When stratified by sex and age (65-74 and >75 years of age), the CS rate was 5 points higher in the older than in the younger group, and 4 points higher among males (23.6%) than among females (19.2%). CONCLUSION:Approximately one in every 5 subjects over 65 years of age presents with CS; CS prevalence was higher in the over-75s and among males, although the differences were not statistically significant.