Association between socioeconomic variables and carotid plaque in middle-aged adults: data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1950 Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to increased cardiovascular risk, but its association with carotid atherosclerosis in the general population is less well studied. We examined associations between individual-level and area-level SES and carotid plaque burden and explored potential sex differences.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study, individual-level SES was defined by educational attainment, and area-level SES by urban versus rural residence and median household income of municipality. Carotid ultrasound was used to quantify plaque burden with a plaque score (0-3 per segment; maximum 24), where >3 indicates elevated cardiovascular risk. Associations between SES and plaque score were estimated using Poi

SUBMITTER: Bratholm AO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863333 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature