Abstract
ObjectivesMore detailed evaluation of atherosclerosis and its key determinants in young individuals is warranted to improve knowledge on the pathophysiology of its development and progression. This study evaluated associations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived aortic wall area, wall thickness, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) with cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic, young adults.Materials and methodsIn 124 adults (age: 25–35 years) from the general population-based Atherosclerosis Monitoring and Biomarker Measurements in the Young study, demography, anthropometry, and blood samples were collected. The studied MRI-parameters were measured using a 3.0T MRI system. Relations between cardiovascular risk factors and aortic characteristics were assessed using multivariable linear regression analyses.ResultsMean age was 31.8 years, 47.6% was male. Aortic wall area was positively associated with age [β = 0.01, (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00 × 10−3, 0.02), p = 0.01] and BMI [β = 0.01, (0.01, 0.02), p = 0.003] and negatively associated with sex (reference: men) [β = −0.06, (−0.11, −0.01), p = 0.02]. Natural logarithm transformed (ln) aortic wall thickness was positively associated with BMI [β = 0.01, (1.00 × 10−3, 0.02), p = 0.02]. Ln aortic PWV was positively associated with 10 mmHg increment of SBP [β = 0.06, (0.03, 0.09), p < 0.001] and DBP [β = 0.06, (0.02, 0.09), p = 0.006]. No relations were observed for smoking and lipids.ConclusionsAlready in early adulthood, aortic wall geometry and stiffness vary by age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure.
Highlights
The incapacitating sequelae of atherosclerosis remain a major contributor to the global burden of disease [1]
This study evaluated associations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived aortic wall area, wall thickness, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) with cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic, young adults
Aortic wall area was positively associated with age [β = 0.01, (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00 × 10−3, 0.02), p = 0.01] and Body mass index (BMI) [β = 0.01, (0.01, 0.02), p = 0.003] and negatively associated with sex [β = −0.06, (−0.11, −0.01), p = 0.02]
Summary
The incapacitating sequelae of atherosclerosis remain a major contributor to the global burden of disease [1]. Atherosclerosis is a generalized inflammatory disease that prompts unfavorable arterial wall remodeling from childhood onwards, yet remains clinically dormant for years before developing into clinically overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) [2]. Its pattern of disease enables preclinical detection of atherosclerosis. Given that CVD risk rises due to a lengthy and cumulative exposure to adverse levels of amenable CV risk factors that are already highly prevalent from a young age onwards, early detection of atherosclerosis is warranted. This may allow for early identification of high-risk individuals and may enable effective treatment of factors related to atherosclerosis extent and progression in these individuals. In order to achieve this, more detailed understanding of the development and progression of atherosclerosis in young individuals is warranted
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
