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Increased aortic pulse wave velocity in obese children

Ataç Celik1, Mustafa Ozçetin, Yasemin Yerli

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Medicine Faculty of Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey. dretaci@yahoo.com

Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Arsivi : Turk Kardiyoloji Derneginin Yayin Organidir
|October 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Obese children exhibit increased aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), indicating early signs of arterial stiffness and potential subclinical atherosclerosis. This suggests obesity can impact cardiovascular health from a young age.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern with long-term health implications.
  • Obesity is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
  • Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a noninvasive marker of arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and quantify pulse wave velocity (PWV) in obese children.
  • To assess arterial stiffness as a potential complication of childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 30 obese children and 30 lean children.
  • Obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile.
  • Echocardiography and blood sample analysis performed; PWV calculated using aortic length and transit time.

Main Results:

  • Obese children had significantly higher blood pressure and increased left ventricular dimensions compared to controls.
  • Key echocardiographic parameters like left ventricular mass index and aortic root dimension were elevated in obese subjects.
  • Obese children demonstrated significantly higher PWV values (4.0 ± 0.8 m/sec) than lean children (3.3 ± 0.7 m/sec), with a positive correlation between PWV and BMI (r=0.391).

Conclusions:

  • Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is elevated in obese children.
  • Increased PWV in obese children suggests the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • Childhood obesity may initiate detrimental vascular changes at an early age.
Abstract

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