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Nontraditional CV risk factors common in overweight black youth
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American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2010
CHICAGO — Unconventional risk factors may point to the development of cardiovascular disease in overweight and obese black adolescents, researchers found in a new study.
“Childhood obesity is linked to the development of CVD and death in adulthood,” Patricia A. Cowan, PhD, associate professor in the College of Nursing at University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and colleagues said. “However, black youth are not routinely assessed for CV risk factors.”
In an effort to determine the number of cardiac risk factors in a population of 122 black adolescents (average age, 15 years), the researchers focused on the roles of severe obesity, insulin resistance, family history of myocardial infarction, and diet and physical activity in CVD development.
Cowan presented their results at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2010.
Data suggest that the average number of risk factors that were predictive of CVD in overweight and obese black adolescents was four, although 36% of the cohort had at least five. Common risk factors included hypertension, observed in 55% of the children, and low LDL, observed in 47.5%. Risk factors for inflammation and clots, which are not routinely checked in this age group, were detected in more than 50%.
The number of risk factors appeared dependent on age, pubertal status, family history of MI, severity of obesity and insulin resistance. The researchers noted that the children’s high fat intake and low exercise levels may have prevented diet and physical activity from being predictors.
Results indicated that younger children who are at an earlier pubertal stage are likely to have more CVD risk factors, as are severely obese children and those with greater insulin resistance. A positive family history of MI may also increase the number of risk factors.
“Doctors should assess youth for insulin resistance, family history of early heart attack and use blood pressure percentile charts to determine hypertension,” the researchers said. “Incorporating screenings for inflammation and thrombosis will aid in risk stratification and earlier intervention.”
For more information:
- Cowan PA. Abstract 17353. Presented at: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2010; Nov. 13-17, 2010; Chicago.
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