Researchers Explore Cardiovascular Disease Relationship In Obese Teens

Publication
Article
Internal Medicine World ReportMay 2015

Among severely obese adolescents, research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found those who underwent weight-loss surgery had several traits making them susceptible for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Among severely obese adolescents, research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found those who underwent weight-loss surgery had several traits making them susceptible for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

According to the study’s authors, while childhood obesity is rampant, there is limited information available gauging a link between specific CVD risk factors and obesity, and whether this risk would increase throughout elevating body mass indexes (BMIs).

Analyzing data from 5 US adolescent weight-loss surgery centers, investigators followed-up with 242 patients aged 19 or younger who underwent the procedure. The team documented that the participants’ average age was 17 (1.6) years, had a BMI of 50.5, and were not Hispanic (93%).

Through their analysis, they found this group had an increased likelihood of having conditions that put them at risk for CVD, including fasting hyperinsulinemia (74%), elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (75%), dyslipidemia (50%), elevated blood pressure (49%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) levels (26%), and diabetes mellitus (14%).

However, the researchers pointed out that other factors influenced CVD determinant likelihood. For example, boys were more likely to be affected by dyslipidemia (adjusted relative risk&thinsp;=&thinsp;1.60 [95% CI, 1.26-2.03]; P&thinsp;<&thinsp;.01) and elevated blood pressure (adjusted relative risk&thinsp;=&thinsp;1.48 [95% CI, 1.16-1.89]; P&thinsp;<&thinsp;.01), and while whites were more impacted by elevated triglyceride levels (adjusted relative risk&thinsp;=&thinsp;1.76 [95% CI, 1.14-2.72]; P&thinsp;=&thinsp;.01) they did not unequally encounter IFG levels (adjusted relative risk&thinsp;=&thinsp;0.58 [95% CI, 0.38-0.89]; P&thinsp;=&thinsp;.01).

By splitting patients into 3 groups based on BMI (group 1 (BMI < 50), group 2 (BMI, ≥50-<60), and group 3 (BMI ≥ 60)), the investigators also found a relationship between CVD and BMI. IFG — a CVD risk factor &mdash; increased with rising BMI (18%, 31%, and 38% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively;P < .01), and similar pattern for high blood pressure (39%, 57%, and 61% for BMI groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively; P < .01) was noted.

“The risk of impaired fasting glucose levels, elevated blood pressure, and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels increased by 15%, 10%, and 6%, respectively, per 5-unit increase in BMI (P&thinsp;<&thinsp;.01),” the authors wrote.

In light of their findings, the investigators urged taking on a proactive approach to preventing CVD in obese, young patients as they showed the problem escalates with weight gain.

Related Videos
Heart Failure stock imagery. | Credit: Fotolia
Addressing HS Risks at the Genetic Level, with Kai Li, BSc
Maternal Hidradenitits Suppurativa Linked to Neonatal Mortality, Pediatric Hospitalization Risk
Deepak Bhatt, MD, MPH | Credit: Mount Sinai
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.