Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children Aged 6-16 Years Old and Their Evolution at Early Adulthood in a 10-Year Follow Up Study

Objective: Objective: Obesity and arterial hypertension in children represent well recognized main risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) events during adult life. We aimed to investigate any changes regarding several CV risk (CVR) factors of children aged 6-16 years old after a 10-year follow-up period. Design and method: Design and method: A cohort of 143 healthy children 6-16 years old (79/64 boys/girls, aged 9±2 years) was initially evaluated regarding CVR factors [obesity, blood pressure (BP), aortic stiffness, lipid profile] plus food habits/sports activity. At 10-years follow-up, 62/143 (43%) young adults were re-evaluated (33/31 boys/girls, aged 20±2 years old). Results: Results: Obesity, found in 45% of children, was accompanied by increased BP (p<0.001) and a less favorable low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/triglycerides profile (p=0.001). In a 10-year follow-up, obesity and exercise improved (p<0.001 and p=0.005), BP was elevated (p<0.001) at levels of high normal (40% of young adults), aortic stiffness increased (p<0.001), LDL-C and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased (p=0.004 and p<0.001), triglycerides increased (p=0.04), and food approached the western model of nutrition (less fish/fruits). In children and young adults, body mass index (BMI) was associated with age (Beta=0.47, p<0.001 and Beta=0.36, p=0.004), systolic BP (Beta=0.46 and Beta=0.52, p<0.001), and LDL-C (Beta=0.27 and Beta=0.44, p<0.001). Conclusions: Conclusions: An increased incidence of obesity associated with systolic BP and accompanied by a less favorable lipid profile was found in children. At 10-years re-evaluation, obesity was partly improved, systolic BP had reached the high-normal levels in a substantial number of young adults while lipid profile was less favorable compared to baseline evaluation. Our results highlight the evolution of CVR factors from childhood to early adulthood.