Transesophageal echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography in adults aged ≥45 years identified a 25.6% prevalence of patent foramen ovale and a 7.7% prevalence of moderate carotid stenosis.
Cohort (n=588)
No
This population-based study defines the baseline prevalence of potential stroke risk factors, such as PFO and carotid stenosis, using TEE and carotid ultrasonography in a community cohort.
OBJECTIVE: The SPARC (Stroke Prevention: Assessment of Risk in a Community) study was designed to identify risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease using transesophageal echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography. This protocol was undertaken to establish a cohort in which putative risk factors for stroke were identified so that subsequent follow-up could discern the roles these risk factors play in stroke incidence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, population-based study. A randomly selected cohort comprised 1475 Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents aged 45 years or older, of whom 588 agreed to participate. Transesophageal echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography were used for evaluation of the subjects. Prevalences of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions were determined. RESULTS: Transesophageal echocardiography was successfully completed in 581 subjects. The prevalence (+/-SE) of patent foramen ovale was 25.6% (+/-1.9%), and that of atrial septal aneurysm was 2.2% (+/-0.6%). The prevalence of aortic atherosclerosis increased with age and was most common in the descending aorta, particularly in subjects 75 to 84 years old. The prevalence of strands on native valve was 46.4% (+/-2.2%). Carotid ultrasonography data for 567 participants revealed minimal atherosclerotic disease. Most subjects had minimal or mild carotid occlusive disease. The prevalence of moderate (50%-79%) and severe (80%-99%) stenosis was 7.7% (+/-1.1%) and 0.3% (+/-0.2 %), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study defines the prevalence of multiple potential cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors, providing population-based data for ongoing follow-up of the risk of stroke.
Meissner et al. (Wed,) conducted a cohort in Risk factors for stroke (n=588). Transesophageal echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography was evaluated on Prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. Transesophageal echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography in adults aged ≥45 years identified a 25.6% prevalence of patent foramen ovale and a 7.7% prevalence of moderate carotid stenosis.