[Carotid intima-media thickness; normal values from 4 years].

INTRODUCTION: The study of the common carotid artery using ultrasound, ever has greater significance for the prevention, treatment and evaluation of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Increased intima-media thickness is associated with the presence of other cardiovascular, cerebrovascular disease and the development of atherosclerosis in both adults and pediatric populations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study in 202 healthy children aged between 4 and 15 years. It has been analyzed auxological data, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and carotid intima-media thickness. RESULTS: There are 100 men and 102 women, with no differences among them about sex; it is shown graphical representations of the values of carotid intima-media thickness in the total sample and by gender. There is a positive correlation between carotid intima-media thickness with age (r = 0.229, p < 0.05), weight (r = 0.228, p < 0.05), height (r = 0.265, p > 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.212, p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Identification of modifiable risk factors should be our priority in clinical practice. Thus, in any health program it should be focused on reducing cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents by promoting a lifestyle of healthy eating and regularly physical exercise. Ultrasound measurement of carotid intima-media thickness is an added factor for an early identification of cardiovascular disease and its evolution in both adult and pediatric population.