Prevalence of atherosclerosis in relation to atomic bomb radiation exposure: An RERF Adult Health Study |
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| Authors: | Michiko Yamada Kumiko Naito Fumiyoshi Kasagi Naomi Masunari Gen Suzuki |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Clinical Studiesyamada@rerf.or.jp;3. Department of Clinical Studies;4. Epidemiology, Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan |
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| Abstract: | Purpose: To determine whether exposure to atomic bomb radiation altered the prevalence of asymptomatic atherosclerosis.Material and methods: In a cross-sectional analysis, we examined aortic arch calcification by plain chest radiography and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) by ultrasonography among 1804 survivors of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. We evaluated the association between atherosclerotic changes and radiation exposure, while adjusting for potentially confounding factors.Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that aortic arch calcification was significantly associated with radiation exposure (p < 0.05). The odds ratio at 1 Gy was 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 – 1.53) for men and 1.31 (95% CI: 1.13 – 1.51) for women. Carotid artery IMT did not vary significantly with radiation dose (p = 0.18).Conclusion: Radiation dose contributed to the prevalence of aortic atherosclerosis but not carotid artery atherosclerosis in atomic bomb survivors. |
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| Keywords: | Atherosclerosis atomic bomb radiation exposure aortic arch calcification carotid artery intima-media thickness risk factors |
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