Background: Increased intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery, determined by B-mode ultrasound
is an early marker of atherosclerosis and a powerful predictor of coronary and cerebrovascular diseases. MS
(metabolic syndrome) is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk in
middle-aged and older adults. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between intima-media
thickness of the common carotid artery and components of MS and to evaluate whether the clustering of multiple
components of MS has a greater impact on intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery compared to
individual components of MS in young adult men without cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods: Total of 84 men were enrolled for the study, each individuals were examined for physical measurements
and blood tests. The intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery was estimated by B-mode ultrasound imaging. The relationship between intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery and MS components was studied by multiple regression models and One way
ANOVA. Multiple regression models included each individual component of MS as categorical variables
Results: Of 84 subjects, 18 (21.4%) had MS. According to partial correlation analysis, intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery had a significant correlation with BMI (r = 0.3168, P = 0.014), Pulse pressure (r = -0.3124, P = 0.016), and LDL-cholesterol
(r = 0.2877, P = 0.027). Multiple regression models showed that high triglyceride was an independent determinant of increased intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery. (P = 0.012) In One way ANOVA, intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery
increased with the number of MS components. (P value for linear trend = 0.001)
Conclusion: In young adult men, MS is associated with increased intima-media thickness of the common
carotid artery. In these population, screening and early intervention of MS is important.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Intima-media thickness