Body mass index was significantly associated with increased carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity in youth (0.013 m/s per kg/m2, P<0.0001).
Systematic Review
Are modifiable factors such as BMI associated with early vascular ageing (measured by cfPWV) in youth?
Higher BMI is significantly associated with increased arterial stiffness (cfPWV) in youth, highlighting the importance of early lifestyle interventions for vascular health.
Effect estimate: 0.013 m/s per kg/m2
p-value: p=<0.0001
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) begin to develop in childhood. Measures of vascular ageing that capture vascular structural and functional degeneration, such as carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), are independent predictors of CVD. Importantly, exposure to modifiable factors is known to be associated with early vascular ageing; however, this has not been thoroughly assessed in youth. This review aimed to identify modifiable factors of cfPWV in youth (≤19 years). Medline, Scopus and Embase online databases were searched from inception to March 2025. Seven thousand five hundred and sixty-seven articles were identified; 51 studies were included. Most studies investigated the relationship between adiposity factors (n = 31). In a meta-analysis, there was a significant association between BMI and cfPWV (0.013 m/s per kg/m2, P < 0.0001). This review identified various modifiable factors that are adversely associated with cfPWV in youth. Lifestyle interventions targeting these factors are likely to be beneficial for vascular health in youth.
Kodithuwakku et al. (Wed,) conducted a systematic review in early vascular ageing. Body mass index was evaluated on carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) (0.013 m/s per kg/m2, p=<0.0001). Body mass index was significantly associated with increased carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity in youth (0.013 m/s per kg/m2, P<0.0001).
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