Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

14.9K

Association between birth characteristics and coronary disease risk factors among fifth graders

Martha D Mullett1, Lesley Cottrell1, Christa Lilly2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 15, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Birth weight and prematurity impact coronary artery disease risk factors in children. Overweight fifth graders show elevated blood pressure and lipids, regardless of birth status. Preterm and small-for-gestational-age infants face higher risks, especially if overweight.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Birth characteristics like prematurity and intrauterine growth may influence later cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern, potentially linked to early life factors and impacting long-term health.
  • Identifying early risk factors for CVD is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between birth characteristics (prematurity, intrauterine growth) and CVD risk factors in fifth graders.
  • To determine if birth status modifies the relationship between childhood weight status and CVD risk.
  • To identify specific birth and weight-related predictors of CVD risk factors in children.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 3054 children with matched birth and fifth-grade health data.
  • Variables included body mass index (BMI) percentile, weight status (normal vs. overweight/obese), prematurity, and intrauterine growth (small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA], large for gestational age [LGA]).
  • Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to assess associations.

Main Results:

  • Large for gestational age (LGA) birth status was linked to later overweight/obesity.
  • Overweight/obese fifth graders exhibited elevated systolic blood pressure and abnormal lipid profiles compared to normal-weight peers, irrespective of birth characteristics.
  • Preterm infants had higher triglyceride levels than term infants, independent of BMI percentile.
  • Small for gestational age (SGA) infants who were overweight/obese in fifth grade showed elevated triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins.

Conclusions:

  • Fifth-grade BMI percentile is a significant predictor of coronary artery disease risk factors, independent of birth characteristics.
  • Preterm birth is associated with higher triglyceride levels in fifth grade, beyond BMI effects.
  • Overweight SGA infants in fifth grade exhibit heightened risks for elevated triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins compared to other birth weight groups.
Abstract

Keywords:
AGAAppropriate for gestational ageBMIBPBWBirth weightBlood pressureBody mass indexCARDIACCoronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian CommunitiesGAGestational ageHDLHigh-density lipoproteinLDLLGALarge for gestational ageLow-density lipoproteinNNormalOObeseSBPSGASmall for gestational ageSystolic blood pressureTCTGTotal cholesterolTriglyceridesVLDLVery-low-density lipoprotein

More Related Videos

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

26.7K
Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods08:28

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods

Published on: March 10, 2020

6.5K

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.8K
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
893
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...
1.1K
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
760
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
632
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
979