ABSTRACT
A total of 100 individuals were recruited for the study. Fifty-three smokers [group 1] and 47 [group 2] non-smokers of age, sex and weight matched were recruited for the study. Measurements of the carotid arteries intima-media thickness [CIMT] and detection of plaques are attempted in every individual under study. Significantly higher mean CIMT was not different between both groups in subjects below 35 years old, it was significantly higher in middle-aged [35-55 years], and older [> 55 years] smokers than in non-smokers. Assessment of plaque prevalence revealed more frequent occurrence in smokers with a percent of 33% as compared to only 19% in non-smokers. Plaques occurred at an earlier age in smokers, mean age of individuals with 1 or more plaques was 38 years compared to 49 years in non-smokers. The results of this demonstrate the efficacy of high resolution ultrasonography in detecting intima-media changes and the presence of plaques in asymptomatic individuals. The value of early detection of reversible changes in population at risk, such as smokers, cannot be underestimated