Association of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Syndrome in Young Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mandya

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) comprises a constellation of metabolic abnormalities that heighten the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT),assessed via ultrasonography,serves as a validated early marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Objectives: 1. To evaluate young adults with MetS for carotid atherosclerosis using duplex ultrasound. 2. To examine the relationship between individual MetS components and CIMT. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 60 patients aged 18–40 years diagnosed with MetS according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. Carotid Doppler assessed CIMT, and metabolic parameters including BMI, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and blood pressure were analyzed. Results: Increased CIMT was found in 33% of patients,predominantly males (60%).Hypertriglyceridemia (82%) and increased waist circumference (72%) were most common.Low HDL was present in 65%,hypertension in 22%,and hyperglycemia in 8%. Conclusion:A significant proportion of young individuals with MetS exhibit subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Central obesity and dyslipidemia were the strongest predictors. Early screening and intervention are essential to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risk.