Factor Analysis of Markers of Inflammation and Oxidation and Echocardiographic Findings in Children with a Positive Family History of Premature Coronary Heart Disease

The objective of this study was to determine the predictive factor of a combination of traditional and new risk factors for coronary heart diseases (CHDs) as well as the echocardiographic findings in children of parents suffering premature myocardial infarction in comparison with controls. Overall, 239 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years including 112 children of parents with premature CHD (< 55 years) and 127 age- and sex-matched controls without such a family history. In addition to measuring anthropometric indexes and blood pressure, serum fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, Lpa, and oxidized LDL as well as carotid-intima media thickness and left ventricular mass were determined. Factor analysis showed that clusters of inflammatory factors and markers of oxidation as well as carotid-intima media thickness and left ventricular mass were correlated with each other and were associated with a positive parental history of premature CHD in youths. These findings complement the functional and structural changes in arteries of adults with a familial predisposition to CHD and underscore the importance of using a high-risk approach for primordial/primary prevention of CHD from early life and of considering the screening of children and siblings in the management of patients with premature CHD.