Association Between Physical Activity Intensity Levels and Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 933-939
Author(s):  
Lisa Heil ◽  
Renate Oberhoffer ◽  
Birgit Böhm
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Activity Intensity ◽  
Vigorous Intensity

Background: Physical activity (PA) has a substantial impact on arterial stiffness in adults; however, evidence regarding children is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured PA with different intensities and surrogate measures of arterial stiffness in healthy children. Methods: Altogether, 80 children (41 girls and 39 boys, ranging from 8–11 y) participated in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Sedentary time and PA of light, moderate, and vigorous intensity levels were measured over a period of 7 days by accelerometry. Arterial stiffness parameters, including pulse wave velocity and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), were noninvasively assessed by the oscillometric Mobil-O-Graph. Associations were tested using multiple linear regressions with adjustments for potential confounders (α ≤ .05). Results: PA of moderate intensity was negatively associated with cSBP (β = −0.266, P = .017). PA of vigorous intensity was inversely related to pulse wave velocity (β = −0.225, P = .045) and cSBP (β = −0.286, P = .010), respectively. Conclusion: Higher time spent in PA of moderate and vigorous intensity is associated with reduced pulse wave velocity and lower cSBP values in children. It suggests that PA is a favorable determinant of arterial health.

Different Relationship Between Physical Activity, Arterial Stiffness, and Metabolic Status in Obese Subjects

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 716-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyung Joon Joo ◽  
Sang-A Cho ◽  
Jae-Young Cho ◽  
Seunghun Lee ◽  
Jae Hyung Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Glucose Level ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Status ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Obese Subjects

Background:Although the relationship between physical activity and arterial stiffness has been shown in healthy persons, it remains controversial in obese persons.Methods:From January 2014 to September 2014, we evaluated 795 obese subjects from 25 public health centers in Seoul, Korea. We compared physical activity and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) between obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (MO) and obese subjects without MetS (NMO).Results:The MO group had more men, higher body mass index (BMI), higher fasting glucose level, lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, and higher triglyceride level. The mean physical activity levels were similar between the 2 groups. baPWV was higher in the MO group than the NMO group. MO group showed positive correlation between baPWV and physical activity (Ptrend = 0.04). Interestingly, baPWV was significantly higher in the MO group than in the NMO group in subjects with moderate and vigorous physical activity (1403.4 cm/sec vs 1349 cm/sec [95% CI 21.4 to 87.4], P < .05). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was apparently associated with age, BMI, blood pressure, and glucose level.Conclusions:In a community-based population, baPWV was higher in obese MetS group compared with obese non-MetS group. Physical activity showed different association with baPWV depending on metabolic status.

scholarly journals Arterial stiffness and age moderate the association between physical activity and global cognition in the older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Noriega De La Colina ◽  
A Badji ◽  
M Lamarre-Cliche ◽  
L Bherer ◽  
H Girouard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Conditional Effects ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp Program of the Faculty of Medicine of the Université de Montréal The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Background The growing concern on the impact of higher arterial stiffness on cognitive decline in older adults, leads to the question of whether non-pharmacological interventions like physical activity should be introduced to correct or diminish the progression of arterial stiffness. Purpose The goal of this study is to elaborate a model for arterial stiffness as a moderator for the physical activity and global cognition relationship in function of age.  Methods One hundred ten healthy older adults aged 60 to 75 years old (46 men and 64 women) were examined for arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cf-PWV)), global cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini Mental State Examination) and self-reported physical activity (PACED diary). The double moderation analysis used PROCESS macro for SPSS, where physical activity was included as the independent variable (X), global cognition as the dependent variable (Y), arterial stiffness as moderator 1 (W), and age moderator 2 (Z). This study used a cf-PWV cutoff of 8.5 m/s to identify micro-structural damage in the brain related to arterial stiffness. Results Results found that the arterial stiffness x age interaction moderated the effect of physical activity on global cognition (β = -.89, SE = .42, p = .037) (Model: R2 = .15, p = .018). Physical activity had a positive effect on cognition in younger-older adults (aged 60 to 68.5 years) with high arterial stiffness i.e. cf-PWV &gt; 8.5 m/s (β = .57, SE = .222, p = .011, 95% CI .133 to 1.014), and in older-older adults (aged 68.6 to 75 years) with low arterial stiffness i.e. cf-PWV &lt; 8.5 m/s (β = .49, SE = .190, p = .010, 95% CI = .116 to .869).  Conclusions These results support targeted physical activity interventions based on age and degree of arterial stiffness, furthering the notion that even daily life physical activity could play an important role in older adults’ cognitive performances. Physical activity on global cognition Conditional effects of physical activity on global cognition Moderators cf-PWV Age Effect SE p CI &lt; 8.5 m/s &lt; 68.5 years .171 .245 .487 -.315 to .657 &lt; 8.5 m/s &gt; = 68.5 years .574 .222 .011* .133 to 1.014 &gt; = 8.5 m/s &lt; 68.5 years .492 .190 .010* .116 to .868 &gt; = 8.5 m/s &gt; = 68.5 years .002 .180 .990 -.355 to .359 Physical activity conditional effects on global cognition at determined values of arterial stiffness and age. SE: Standard Error, CI: Confidence Interval, cf-PWV: carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity, *p-value&lt;.05.

scholarly journals Association of the Amount and Pattern of Physical Activity With Arterial Stiffness: The Maastricht Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 790-790
Author(s):  
Evelien Vandercappellen ◽  
Ronald Henry ◽  
Coen Stehouwer ◽  
Annemarie Koster
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Groups

Abstract We examined the associations of the amount and the pattern of higher intensity physical activity with arterial stiffness. Data from The Maastricht Study (n=1699; mean age: 60±8 years, 49.4% women, 26.9% type 2 diabetes (T2DM)) were used. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). The amount (hours/day) and pattern of higher intensity physical activity were assessed with the activPAL3®. Activity groups were: inactive (&lt;75min/week), insufficiently active (75-150min/week), weekend warrior (&gt;150min/week in ≤2 sessions), and regularly active (&gt;150min/week in ≥3 sessions). After full adjustment, higher intensity physical activity was associated with lower cfPWV (amount: -0.35[-0.65;-0.05], insufficiently active: -0.33[-0.55;-0.11]; weekend warrior: -0.38[-0.64;-0.12] and regularly active: -0.46[-0.71;-0.21] (reference: inactive)). These associations were stronger in those with T2DM. Participating in higher intensity physical activity was associated with lower cfPWV, regardless of the weekly pattern, and may be an important strategy to reduce CVD risk, particularly in T2DM.

scholarly journals Association of the Amount and Pattern of Physical Activity With Arterial Stiffness: The Maastricht Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelien J. Vandercappellen ◽  
Ronald M.A. Henry ◽  
Hans H.C.M. Savelberg ◽  
Julianne D. van der Berg ◽  
Koen D. Reesink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity

Background Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can be beneficially influenced by physical activity. However, it is not clear how an individual’s physical activity pattern over a week is associated with arterial stiffness. Therefore, we examined the associations of the amount and pattern of higher intensity physical activity with arterial stiffness. Methods and Results Data from the Maastricht Study (n=1699; mean age: 60±8 years, 49.4% women, 26.9% type 2 diabetes mellitus) were used. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid distensibility. The amount (continuous variable as h/wk) and pattern (categorical variable) of higher intensity physical activity were assessed with the activPAL3. Activity groups were: inactive (<75 min/wk), insufficiently active (75–150 min/wk), weekend warrior (>150 min/wk in ≤2 sessions), and regularly active (>150 min/wk in ≥3 sessions). In the fully adjusted model (adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors), higher intensity physical activity was associated with lower carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity (amount: β = −0.05, 95% CI, −0.09 to −0.01; insufficiently active: β = −0.33, 95% CI, −0.55 to −0.11; weekend warrior: β = −0.38, 95% CI, −0.64 to −0.12; and regularly active: β = −0.46, 95% CI, −0.71 to −0.21 [reference: inactive]). These associations were stronger in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There was no statistically significant association between higher intensity physical activity with carotid distensibility. Conclusions Participating in higher intensity physical activity was associated with lower carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity, but there was no difference between the regularly actives and the weekend warriors. From the perspective of arterial stiffness, engaging higher intensity physical activity, regardless of the weekly pattern, may be an important strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

scholarly journals Physiological Age- and Sex-Related Profiles for Local (Aortic) and Regional (Carotid-Femoral, Carotid-Radial) Pulse Wave Velocity and Center-to-Periphery Stiffness Gradient, with and without Blood Pressure Adjustments: Reference Intervals and Agreement between Methods in Healthy Subjects (3–84 Years)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Daniel Bia ◽  
Yanina Zócalo
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pressure Wave ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Physiological Age ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Age And Sex

In addition to being a marker of cardiovascular (CV) aging, aortic stiffening has been shown to be independently associated with increased CV risk (directly and/or indirectly due to stiffness-gradient attenuation). Arterial stiffness determines the rate at which the pulse pressure wave propagates (i.e., pulse wave velocity, PWV). Thus, propagated PWV (i.e., the distance between pressure-wave recording sites divided by the pulse transit time) was proposed as an arterial stiffness index. Presently, aortic PWV is considered a gold-standard for non-invasive stiffness evaluation. The limitations ascribed to PWV have hampered its use in clinical practice. To overcome the limitations, different approaches and parameters have been proposed (e.g., local PWV obtained by wave separation and pulse wave analysis). In turn, it has been proposed to determine PWV considering blood pressure (BP) levels (β-PWV), so as to evaluate intrinsic arterial stiffness. It is unknown whether the different approaches used to assess PWV or β-PWV are equivalent and there are few data regarding age- and sex-related reference intervals (RIs) for regional and local PWV, β-PWV and PWV ratio. Aims: (1) to evaluate agreement between data from different stiffness indexes, (2) to determine the need for sex-specific RIs, and (3) to define RIs for PWV, β-PWV and PWV ratio in a cohort of healthy children, adolescents and adults. Methods: 3619 subjects (3–90 y) were included, 1289 were healthy and non-exposed to CV risk factors. Carotid-femoral (cfPWV) and carotid-radial (crPWV) PWV were measured (SphygmoCor System (SCOR)) and PWV ratio (cfPWV/crPWV) was quantified. Local aortic PWV was obtained directly from carotid waves (aoPWV-Carotid; SCOR) and indirectly (generalized transfer function use) from radial (aoPWV-Radial; SCOR) and brachial (aoPWV-Brachial; Mobil-O-Graph system (MOG)) recordings. β-PWV was assessed by means of cardio-ankle brachial (CAVI) and BP-corrected CAVI (CAVIo) indexes. Analyses were done before and after adjustment for BP. Data agreement was analyzed (correlation, Bland-Altman). Mean and standard deviation (age- and sex-related) equations were obtained for PWV parameters (regression methods based on fractional polynomials). Results: The methods and parameters used to assess aortic stiffness showed different association levels. Stiffness data were not equivalent but showed systematic and proportional errors. The need for sex-specific RIs depended on the parameter and/or age considered. RIs were defined for all the studied parameters. The study provides the largest data set related to agreement and RIs for stiffness parameters obtained in a single population.

scholarly journals Change in the aortic pulse wave velocity in children with familial hypercholesterolemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 640-647
Author(s):  
L. F. Galimova ◽  
D. I. Sadykova ◽  
E. S. Slastnikova ◽  
D. I. Marapov
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Main Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Children

Background. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the genetic disease characterized by an increase in the levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins since childhood. The aim of the study was to assess arterial stiffness in children with heterozygous FH by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the aorta. Design and methods. The study involved 118 children. Of these, 60 healthy children were in the control group and 58 children with the diagnosis of heterozygous FH were included in the main group. Both groups were divided into 3 age subgroups: from 5 to 7 years old, from 8 to 12 years old and from 13 to 17 years old. The diagnosis of FH was made according to the British criteria by Simon Broome. The lipid profile was determined for all children, blood pressure was monitored daily with the estimate of the minimum, average and maximum PWV (PWVmin, PWVav, PWVmax) in aorta using oscillometric method. Results. In the younger age subgroup (5–7 years), there were no significant differences in PWV between main and control groups. In children aged 8–12 years, the main group was characterized by significantly higher values of maximum PWV compared to healthy peers — 5,1 [4,7–5,8] and 4,6 [4,45–5,05] m/s, respectively (p = 0,041). In group of children with FH aged 13–17 years, compared to the control group, a significant increase in the minimum PWV was observed — 4,7 [4,1–5,1] and 3,9 [3,5–4,1] m/s, respectively (p = 0,009), average PWV — 5,5 [4,8–6,4] and 4,5 [4,2–4,9] m/s, respectively (p = 0,009), and maximum PWV — 6,2 [5,7–7,55] and 5,4 [5,05–5,6] m/s, respectively (p = 0,007). Correlation analysis in patients with FH showed direct correlation between PWVmin, PWVav and PWVmax with total cholesterol (r = 0,46, r = 0,46 and r = 0,464, respectively, p < 0,001). Conclusions. Our study demonstrates an increase in the PWV in the aorta in children with FH compared with healthy peers from 8–12 years of age. There is a further progression of arterial stiffness with an increase in the minimum, average and maximum PWV most significant in the group of 13–17 years.

The evaluation of arterial stiffness of essential hypertension and white coat hypertension in children: a case-control study

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Semiha Terlemez Tokgöz ◽  
Dilek Yılmaz ◽  
Yavuz Tokgöz ◽  
Bülent Çelik ◽  
Yasin Bulut
Keyword(s):  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Augmentation Index ◽  
White Coat ◽  
White Coat Hypertension ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Children

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine and compare cardiovascular risks by assessing arterial stiffness in children with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension.MethodsPaediatric patients followed up with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension diagnoses and with no established end organ damage were involved in the study. Arterial stiffness in children included in the study was evaluated and compared by using the oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph) method.ResultsA total of 62 essential hypertension (34 male, 28 female), 38 white coat hypertension (21 male, 17 female), and 60 healthy controls (33 male, 27 female) were assessed in the present study. Pulse wave velocity of the essential hypertension, white coat hypertension, and control group was, respectively, as follows: 5.3±0.6 (m/s), 5.1±0.4 (m/s), 4.3±0.4 (m/s) (p<0.001); augmentation index outcomes were, respectively, determined as follows: 21.3±6.5, 19.3±6.4, 16.0±0.3 (p<0.001). Pulse wave velocity and augmentation index values of children with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension were found to be higher compared with the control group. This level was identified as correlated with the duration of hypertension in both patient groups (p<0.01).ConclusionArterial stiffness in children with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension was impaired compared with healthy children. This finding has made us think that white coat hypertension is not an innocent clinical situation. This information should be taken into consideration in the follow-up and treatment approaches of the patients.

Abstract MP83: Increases in Vigorous Physical Activity Improve Pulse Wave Velocity in Adolescents

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas M Edwards ◽  
Philip R Khoury ◽  
Elaine M Urbina
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Augmentation Index ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Linear Modeling

Introduction: The beneficial effects of vigorous physical activity (VPA) on arterial stiffness have been established, but the effect of changes in VPA over time on these vascular measures is unclear. Hypothesis: Increases in VPA will be associated with improvement in measures of arterial stiffness. Methods: As part of a longitudinal study of the effects of obesity & diabetes on cardiovascular health, 317 subjects (mean age 17.2 years at baseline, 38% male, 63% non-Caucasian) were enrolled and followed up 5 years later. Anthropometrics, accelerometer-measured physical activity, blood pressure, central and peripheral measures of arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial distensibility (BrachD), and augmentation index (AI)), and blood (lipids & metabolic tests) were collected. General linear modeling was performed to test for the independent relationship of change in VPA with change of arterial stiffness. Results: Overall, VPA increased slightly (0.2 minutes) from baseline to follow up. Increased VPA from baseline to follow up was significantly associated (P = 0.0364) with a decrease in PWV but was not associated with a change in BrachD nor AI. The effect of change in VPA on change in PWV was independent of change in glucose (P = 0.024), but not independent of changes in BMI, blood pressure, lipids, or CRP. Conclusions: Increase in vigorous physical activity during late adolescence is significantly associated with improved pulse wave velocity. This relationship may be mediated through improvements in other cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index, blood pressure, and lipids.

scholarly journals Az artériás érfali merevség és a rendszeres testmozgás kapcsolata

2021 ◽  
Vol 162 (16) ◽  
pp. 615-622
Author(s):  
Ágnes Diószegi ◽  
Beáta Kovács ◽  
Szabolcs Lengyel ◽  
Sándor Szántó ◽  
Erika Kocsis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Prognostic Information

Összefoglaló. A cardiovascularis megbetegedések kialakulását és progresszióját jelentősen befolyásolja az életmód, ezen belül a fizikai aktivitás. A rendszeres testmozgás csökkenti a szív- és érrendszeri kórképek kockázatát, többek között a magas vérnyomásra, a zsíranyagcsere-eltérésekre és az elhízásra gyakorolt kedvező hatásán keresztül, továbbá független tényező a cardiovascularis halálozás szempontjából is. Az artériás érfali merevség az elasztikus artériák falát alkotó extracelluláris mátrix degeneratív eltéréseinek következtében alakul ki a különböző kockázati tényezők hatására. Korábban, különböző populációkon már igazolták az érfali merevség prediktív értékét a cardiovascularis események kialakulásának tekintetében. A pulzushullám-terjedési sebesség mérése a leggyakrabban alkalmazott módszer az érfali merevség meghatározására. A pulzushullám-terjedési sebesség mérésének hasznát a cardiovascularis kimenetel és élettartam becslésében számos populációs szintű követéses vizsgálat igazolja. Jelen munkánkban áttekintjük a rendszeres fizikai aktivitás, az érfali merevség, az érelmeszesedés és a cardiovascularis események közötti összefüggéseket. Összefoglaljuk az edzésnek és az érfali merevség paramétereinek kapcsolatát egészséges populáción vizsgáló legfontosabb tanulmányok eredményeit. Megállapítjuk, hogy az érfali merevség figyelemre méltó, érdekes biomarker a cardiovascularis kockázat becslése során a rendszeresen sportoló személyek esetén is. Mindezek alapján, tekintve annak prognosztikai hasznát, felmerül a pulzushullám-terjedési sebesség mérésének beillesztése a klinikai döntéshozatali folyamatba mind amatőr, mind professzionális sportolók esetében. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(16): 615–622. Summary. The development and progression of cardiovascular disorders is importantly dependent on lifestyle factors, including physical activity. Regular physical activity decreases cardiovascular morbidity by ameliorating risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity, moreover, also independently affects cardiovascular mortality. Arterial stiffness results from a degenerative process affecting mainly the extracellular matrix of elastic arteries under the effect of risk factors. Previously, the independent predictive value of arterial stiffness for cardiovascular events has been demonstrated in various populations. Pulse wave velocity is the most commonly used method for the assessment of arterial stiffness. The value of measuring pulse wave velocity to predict cardiovascular health outcomes and longevity has been established in several population-based longitudinal studies. In this review, we summarize the main associations between regular physical exercise, arterial stiffness, atherosclerotic burden and incident cardiovascular events. We cite findings from the major studies focusing on the effect of training on arterial stiffness parameters in healthy subjects. We conclude that arterial stiffness is emerging as an interesting biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification in subjects doing regular physical activity. Therefore, the incorporation of pulse wave velocity measurement into clinical decision-making could be indicated in the case of both amateur and professional athletes, given the prognostic information it provides. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(16): 615–622.

Utility of arterial stiffness assessment in children

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaitanya Panchangam ◽  
Eric Dean Merrill ◽  
Geetha Raghuveer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Augmentation Index ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Healthy Children

AbstractAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood. Prevention or containment of risk factors that accelerate atherosclerosis can delay the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although current recommendations are to periodically screen for commonly prevailing risk factors for atherosclerosis in children, a single test that could quantify the cumulative effect of all risk factors on the vasculature, thus assessing arterial health, would be helpful in further stratifying risk. Measurement of pulse wave velocity and assessment of augmentation index – measures of arterial stiffness – are easy-to-use, non-invasive methods of examining arterial health. Various studies have assessed pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in children with commonly occurring conditions including obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, physical inactivity, chronic kidney disease, CHD and acquired heart diseases, and in children who were born premature or small for gestational age. This article summarises pulse wave velocity and augmentation index assessments and the effects of commonly prevailing chronic conditions on arterial health in children. In addition, currently available reference values for pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in healthy children are included. Further research to establish widely applicable normative values and the effect of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions on arterial health in children is needed.

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