Ultrasound assessment of the intima and media layers on the carotid arteries in peri- and postmenopausal women

Patients and methods: In this prospective observational study 135 postmenopausal and 23 peri-menopausal women were included. With a highresolution linear ultrasound probe (used for breast imaging) the intima and media layers of the common carotid arteries in women attending our menopausal centre for routine care were measured. Triplicate measurements for each layer from both sides were obtained, and, for a subset of patients, repeatability was assessed. Patient age, history of arterial hypertension and possible hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were also recorded.