Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Variables During the First Year of Life

Cardiovascular risk factor variables were measured in a cohort of 440 infants at birth 6 months, and 1 year of age. Blood pressures at 6 months of age were 93/47 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic pressure, fourth phase) and 97/51 mm Hg at 1 year of age. Serum total cholesterol, beta-lipoprotein, and alpha-lipoprotein levels rose dramatically from birth to 1 year of age. Serum triglycerides also showed an increase from birth to 6 months of age, but a decrease from 6 months to 1 years of age. At 6 months of age, the infants were consuming 949 kcal and at 1 year, 1,356 kcal. A statistically significant correlation between serum cholesterol level and protein, fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrate intake was noted at 1 year of age. These observations provide a background for tracing the evolution of risk factor variables as part of the early natural history of arteriosclerosis.