Evaluation of possible subclinical atherosclerosis in adolescents with a family history of premature atherosclerosis.

Objective: To evaluate possible subclinical atherosclerosis using biomarkers and ultrasound-guided methods in a group of adolescents having fathers with premature atherosclerosis.

Methods: Thirty-three subjects whose fathers had a history of premature coronary artery disease and 30 counterparts whose fathers had no history of coronary artery disease were included in the study.

Results: The homocysteine levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, and cardiac chamber sizes and functions did not differ between the two groups. The carotid stiffness index β (CSI), the intima-media thickness (CIMT) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) values were higher in the group with a family history of coronary artery disease, but only the difference in the CSI was statistically significant (CSI 3.07±1.33 vs 3.88±1.25, P=0.015; CIMT 0.53±0.09 mm vs 0.57±0.08 mm, P=0.068; PWV 3.49±0.53 m/s vs 3.78±0.63 m/s, P=0.053).

Conclusion: Among several markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, the CSI was significantly higher in adolescents who had a family history of premature atherosclerosis. The small sample size, the multifactorial nature of atherosclerosis or the insufficient power of these methods may explain these results.