Association Between Prehypertension and Carotid plaque in an Asymptomatic Japanese Population

Objective Few researchers focused on the connection between prehypertension and carotid plaque. The current study sought to define the link between prehypertension and carotid plaque in the Japanese population. Methods Carotid artery ultrasonography was performed on each individual. Ultrasonography used to identify carotid plaque. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we used multivariable logistic regression, propensity score analysis, and an inverse probability-weighting model. Results A total of 1189 Japanese subjects were included, and the prevalence of carotid plaque was 27.2% (323/1189). Those with prehypertension had a higher prevalence of carotid plaque than those without (39.4% [196/497] vs 18.4% [127/497]). The results remained stable after adjusting for potential confounders using propensity score matching (PSM) and propensity score, inverse probability weighting, and doubly robust analysis. The ORs were 1.74–2.9, all p < 0.001. Conclusions Prehypertension was associated with carotid plaque in the outpatient Japanese adult population in this cross-sectional study.