Relationship between carotid intima-media thickness, atherosclerosis risk factors and birthweight in young males

Autopsy and ultrasonographic studies reveal atheromatous lesions in many young subjects. The progression of these changes depends on the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies have suggested that coronary risk may depend also on birthweight.

To estimate the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), atherosclerosis risk factors and birthweight in young males.

The study group consisted of 110 males aged 27-32 years, born after 36 weeks of gestational age. We took their anthropometric measurements, performed blood tests, and measured blood pressure and right CIMT.

Subjects with CIMT 〉 0.6 mm (n = 30), in comparison with the group with CIMT £ 0.6 mm (n = 80), had significantly lower mean birthweight (3,224 g vs 3,556 g, p = 0.001), lower mean serum HDL-cholesterol level (1.19 vs 1.36 mmol/L, p = 0.012), higher TC/HDL ratio (4.36 vs 3.71, p = 0.009), higher fasting serum glucose level (5.48 vs 5.28 mmol/L, p = 0.045), higher HbA1c (5.63 vs 5.40%, p = 0.044), and slightly higher (at the border of statistical significance) insulin resistance index HOMA-IR (2.56 vs 2.25, p = 0.074). In the group with CIMT 〉 0.6 mm, metabolic syndrome was more prevalent (43.3% vs 22.5%, p = 0.031). Adjustment either for body mass index or waist circumference, and for HDL- -cholesterol level or TC/HDL ratio or fasting glucose level or HbA1c or HOMA-IR did not remove the negative effects of lower birthweight on the risk of CIMT 〉 0.6 mm as well as the adjustment for the presence of metabolic syndrome.

The CIMT value in young males is independently related both with birthweight and disturbances of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.