What does the thickness of the vascular lining indicate ?
Genetics and environmental factors (including diet, exposure to carcinogens such as cigarette smoke, and exercise – or the lack of exercise, etc) combine over time to cause inflammation of the inner layers of the artery and the formation of plaque on the inner lining of the arterial wall. This thickening can be measured using ultrasound and sophisticated edge-detection software to quantify the amount of disease present. The measurement of the thickness of the intima and media layers of the common carotid artery is predictive of future events (i.e. stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart attack).
