Can vessel endothelium predict cardiovascular risk in children?
Changes in children’s small blood vessel function may predict future heart disease. So said Dr Faisal Khan, of Dundee university, speaking at this week’s British
Association science festival in Exeter.
In a conference session on the microcirculation, Dr Khan highlighted
his previous work testing
microvascular function in children. His group had studied 145 normal,
healthy children aged 11 to 14.
They found that about 20 per cent of the children tested had signs of
endothelial dysfunction, though none had symptoms of heart disease. Endothelial
dysfunction is recognised to have a key role in atherosclerosis and is
related to many risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular
disease in later life. The group found that microvascular function was
poorer in those with higher body fat and signs of insulin resistance,
both cardiovascular risk factors.
Dr Khan suggested that, with indicators of cardiac risk apparent in childhood,
lifestyle interventions should be made at this age. Unhealthy lifestyle
factors should be identified and physical activity, weight management
and a healthy diet promoted, he added. |
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