Carotid arterial stiffness in overweight and obese Indian children
Deepa Pandit1, Arun Kinare, Shashi Chiplonkar
1Agharkar Research Institute, Agarakar Road, Pune, India.
Insights
Obese children show increased carotid arterial stiffness and pulse wave velocity (PWV), indicating early functional changes. Intima media thickness (IMT) was not significantly different, but PWV is a key marker for hypertension risk in pediatric obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential long-term cardiovascular implications.
- Early detection of vascular changes in obese children is crucial for timely intervention.
- Arterial stiffness and intima media thickness (IMT) are indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare carotid arterial stiffness and IMT in obese children versus healthy children.
- To investigate the association of lipid profiles and blood pressure with carotid artery morphology in pediatric obesity.
- To identify early markers of cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese youth.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 44 overweight, 95 obese, and 69 healthy children (aged 6-17 years).
- Assessment of anthropometric data, body fat percentage (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), lipid profile, and blood pressure.
- Evaluation of common carotid artery stiffness (beta, elastic modulus - Ep) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) using ultrasound; IMT measurement.
Main Results:
- Obese and overweight children exhibited significantly higher anthropometric and lipid parameters compared to normal children.
- Carotid arterial stiffness (beta, Ep) and PWV were significantly elevated in obese/overweight children.
- No significant difference in IMT was observed between obese/overweight and normal children.
- PWV, beta, and Ep positively correlated with body fat and triglycerides; arterial compliance showed a negative correlation.
- High PWV, LDL cholesterol, Ep, and body fat were associated with an increased relative risk of hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a valuable indicator of early functional carotid artery changes in children and adolescents.
- Obesity in children is associated with increased arterial stiffness, even without significant IMT changes.
- Early detection of arterial stiffness through PWV may aid in identifying children at higher risk for hypertension.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate carotid arterial stiffness and intima media thickness (IMT) in obese children in comparison with healthy children, and to examine associations of lipid profile and blood pressure with carotid artery morphology.
Methods:
Anthropometric and blood parameters were assessed in 44 overweight, 95 obese (6-17 years) and 69 healthy age-matched normal children. Percent body fat was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and stiffness and IMT of the common carotid artery were evaluated using Aloka alpha 10 equipment.
Results:
Anthropometric and lipid parameters were significantly higher in overweight and obese than in normal children (p < 0.05). Stiffness (beta), pulse wave velocity (PWV), elastic modulus (Ep) and blood pressure were significantly higher in obese and overweight children than in normal children (p < 0.05). However, overweight and obese children did not show any significant difference in IMT compared with normal children (p > 0.1). Significant positive correlation of PWV, beta and Ep and negative correlation of arterial compliance with body fat and triglyceride was noted (p < 0.05). Different multinomial regression models for each e-Tracking parameter indicated that the relative risk of hypertension was highest with high PWV, followed by LDL cholesterol, Ep and body fat.
Conclusion:
PWV may be considered an important marker for evaluation of early functional changes of the carotid artery in children and adolescents.
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