Factors associated with arterial stiffness in children aged 9-10 years

• Published in: Revista de saúde pública Vol. 49; p. 23
• Main Authors: Batista, Milena Santos, Mill, José Geraldo, Pereira, Taisa Sabrina Silva, Fernandes, Carolina Dadalto Rocha, Molina, Maria del Carmen Bisi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo 2015; Universidade de São Paulo
• Subjects: Análise de Onda de Pulso; Arteries - physiopathology; Blood Flow Velocity; Blood Pressure Determination; Body Mass Index; Brazil; Cardiovascular Diseases - physiopathology; Child; Criança; Fatores de Risco; Female; Health Policy & Services; Humans; Male; Original; Overweight; Pulse Wave Analysis; Rigidez Vascular; Risk Factors; Sobrepeso; Vascular Stiffness; Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo; Brazil; Pulse Wave Analysis; Rigidez Vascular; Risk Factors; Blood Flow Velocity; Análise de Onda de Pulso; Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo; Sobrepeso; Vascular Stiffness; Child; Criança; Fatores de Risco; Overweight
• ISSN: 0034-8910; 1518-8787; 1518-8787; 0034-8910
• DOI: 10.1590/S0034-8910.2015049005425

To analyze the factors associated with stiffness of the great arteries in prepubertal children.
This study with convenience sample of 231 schoolchildren aged 9-10 years enrolled in public and private schools in Vitória, ES, Southeastern Brazil, in 2010-2011. Anthropometric and hemodynamic data, blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity in the carotid-femoral segment were obtained. Data on current and previous health conditions were obtained by questionnaire and notes on the child's health card. Multiple linear regression was applied to identify the partial and total contribution of the factors in determining the pulse wave velocity values.
Among the students, 50.2% were female and 55.4% were 10 years old. Among those classified in the last tertile of pulse wave velocity, 60.0% were overweight, with higher mean blood pressure, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio. Birth weight was not associated with pulse wave velocity. After multiple linear regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) and diastolic blood pressure remained in the model.
BMI was the most important factor in determining arterial stiffness in children aged 9-10 years.