Intima–media thickness of peripheral arteries in asymptomatic cigarette smokers

Background and purpose: Although it is known that smoking is associated with an increase in arterial wall thickness, most studies have been performed in heterogeneous groups of older age, already suffering from atherosclerotic diseases or having additional cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect on arterial wall thickness of the carotid and femoral artery in cigarette smokers. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, intima–media thickness of the common and internal carotid artery, carotid bulb and common femoral artery was determined with the use of a B-mode ultrasound device, in 184 (44.3±9.0 years) cigarette smokers for whom smoking is the single cardiovascular risk factor. Comparisons were made with 56 non-smokers, matching in age and gender. Results: The posterior walls of both carotid bulbs (right: P=0.0005; left: P=0.02) and of the internal carotid arteries (right: P=0.004; left: P=0.003) as well as the posterior wall of the right common carotid artery (P=0.02) and of the right common femoral artery (P<0.0001) were thicker in smokers. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking as the single cardiovascular risk factor causes wall thickening of the carotid and femoral arteries, which indicates that early atherosclerosis is already present in smokers entering middle age.