Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Are changes in conduit artery function associated with intima-medial thickness in young subjects?

Nicola Dominique Hopkins1, Inge van den Munckhof, Dick Henricus Julianus Thijssen

  • 1Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
|May 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

In children, impaired brachial artery endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation) did not predict carotid intima-medial thickness over 30 months. Arterial changes in youth may require longer observation before predicting atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric cardiovascular health
  • Vascular function assessment
  • Atherosclerosis development

Background:

  • Impaired brachial artery endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation, FMD) predicts cardiovascular events in adults.
  • The relationship between FMD and carotid intima-medial thickness (cIMT) in young people is not well understood.
  • This study investigated FMD and cIMT in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if impaired FMD predicts cIMT in children.
  • To assess changes in FMD over a 30-month period.
  • To explore the relationship between FMD changes and cIMT in a pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • High-resolution Doppler ultrasound was used to assess FMD and cIMT in 53 children (aged 10.3 ± 0.3 years).
  • FMD was measured at baseline, 4 months, and 30 months.
  • cIMT was measured at 30 months.

Main Results:

  • No significant relationship was found between baseline FMD and cIMT at 30 months.
  • FMD showed a significant decrease at 4 months but not at 30 months.
  • Changes in FMD over 30 months did not correlate with cIMT.

Conclusions:

  • Arterial function changes occurred in young subjects over 30 months but were unrelated to cIMT.
  • These findings contrast with adult studies, suggesting longer periods of impairment are needed for atherosclerotic changes to manifest in youth.
  • A potential 'window of opportunity' for preventative interventions in children is indicated.
Abstract

Keywords:
Artery wall thicknesschildrenflow-mediated dilationvascular function

More Related Videos

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Arteries and Arterioles01:16

Arteries and Arterioles

Arteries, the vasculature responsible for transporting blood from the heart, possess robust walls capable of enduring the elevated pressures exerted by the heartbeat. Arteries near the heart are especially thick-walled and enriched with elastic fibers across their three tunics, classifying them as elastic or conducting arteries. These arteries, usually with a diameter exceeding 10 mm, are characterized by their ability to dilate in response to the blood pumped from the heart's ventricles and...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Structure of Blood Vessels01:15

Structure of Blood Vessels

Blood is circulated throughout the human body through a network of blood vessels called the circulatory system. This system includes arteries that transport blood from the heart to various body parts. These arterial pathways divide into smaller vessels until they reach the arterioles, which further split into capillaries. It is within these minuscule capillaries that the exchange of nutrients and waste products takes place. After this exchange, the blood is collected by venules, which fuse to...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...