[Flow mediated vasodilation in overweight children]

Abstract

Introduction: Present knowledge suggests that cardiovascular disease originates and progresses from childhood and adolescence. Endothelial dysfunction is an early and crucial event in atherosclerosis.

Patients and method: Prospective study that compares Flow Mediated Vasodilation (FMV) in children with overweight (OWC) and normal weight children. An ultrasound transducer a standard method were used to measure FMD.

Results: The study included 82 children, of whom 49 were cases (OWC) and 33 controls. FMV values ranged from -6 to 56% (x=11.1%) in OW, and from 0 to 29.6% (x=16.6%) in control children (P<.005). Paradoxical vasoconstriction was found in 34.7% in OWC as compared to nil in controls (P<.005). A significant association was found between vasoconstriction and central obesity and hypertension.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that FMV is lower in obese compared to normal children; thus they are more likely to have endothelial dysfunction.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Children; Disfunción endotelial; Endothelial dysfunction; Enfermedad cardiovascular; Flow mediated vasodilation; Niños; Obesidad; Obesity; Vasodilatación mediada por flujo.