Abstract 19214: Inverse Relationships of Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Body Mass Index in Children

Abstract

Objective: The epidemic of childhood obesity, with early onset of adult-type diseases like diabetes and hypertension, is creating a national health crisis. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a non-invasive measure of vascular function, reflects the stiffness of arteries independently of changes in blood pressure (BP). There are currently no CAVI scores available for children. We hypothesized that CAVI, by providing an objective measure of vascular health, may help identify children at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: Study subjects were 292 Non- Hispanic White, Non- Hispanic Black, or Hispanic children 10-18 years old, normal weight (BMI85th percentile for age). CAVI values were measured using the VaSera VS-1500N device. Results: CAVI was measured in 292 children, with 133 males and 159 females, including 89 Black, 100 White and 103 Hispanic children. After controlling for age, sex, and body weight, normal weight Black males had a higher CAVI score in comparison to Hispanic males and White males (5.53±0.15 vs. 5.13±0.15 vs. 5.02±0.15, p=0.04). In univariate analyses, mean BP showed a positive correlation with BMI (r=0.4, p<0.001). Interestingly, BMI had a negative effect on the CAVI score (r= -0.335, p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, raw BMI and average CAVI scores were significant predictors of the other (R2=0.34, p<0.001, R2=0.21,p<0.001 respectively). No correlation occurred between the CAVI and resting BP values, confirming that CAVI scores were independent of concurrent BP values. Conclusions: Significant differences in vascular function exist among ethnic groups. Obese children had lower CAVI scores, suggestive of possible vascular adaptation to obesity in early life. CAVI may be useful measure in long-term intervention studies using diet and exercise, and may be a cost-effective, non-invasive method for examining vascular health in children.