The Influence of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors on Carotid IntimaMedia Thickness in Children

摘要

Pediatric obesity is a major health concern today, which pre-disposes individualsto metabolic syndrome (MS), and the risk of premature cardiovascular disease(CVD). Use of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is recognized asnon-invasive way to assess vascular health. The objective of this study was todetermine which MBS risk factors has an influence on increasing one’s risk of anincreased CIMT in children. In southern Maine 189 children (age:10.52 ± .52 years) had their MBS risk factors and CIMT assessed. Based on CIMT,children were divided into quartiles and compared to MBS risk factors. Childrenin the highest quartile for CIMT had the highest waist circumference(P < .05) compared to all other groups, using a one-wayanalysis of variance. No other MBS risk factors had an influence on CIMT. Itappears early identification of children with an elevated WC may be beneficialin identifying children at risk of premature CVD.