The Effects of Atherosclerosis Progression in Circulating Ferritin in Community-Based Population

Several studies reported a positive association between ferritin level and cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis, but other studies were not. Although some researches have demonstrated the associations between ferritin levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance. However, few study discussed the relationships between ferritin levels and high blood pressures or high blood lipids. In the 2008-2010 projects, we have recruited 1533 participants from community. The information of basic characteristics from interview and height, weight, waist and hip circumference from physical examinations were collected. The blood samples were collected. We will assess the serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturated and ferritin. The carotid ultrasound will examine the 1533 participants and record the intima median thickness and present of carotid plaque. We aim to report the distribution of ferritin index, and to investigate the association between ferritin levels and atherosclerotic indices. In addition, after adjusted inflammatory marker-C reactive protein and other cerebrovascular risk factors, the association of ferritin levels and carotid IMT or plaque still existed.