Associations of non-invasive measures of arterial structure and function, and traditional indicators of cardiovascular risk in adults with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND

Persons with cerebral palsy (CP) have mobility limitations and may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

AIMS: To determine the feasibility of assessing novel CVD risk indicators and to identify predictors of CVD risk in a clinic-based group of adults with CP.

METHODS

In an observational study, we examined 42 adults with CP (mean age 33.5 ± 12.3 yr). Traditional (resting blood pressure, smoking status and lipids) and novel CVD risk indicators (endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and carotid wall thickness) were assessed.

RESULTS

Measures of endothelial function and central arterial stiffness were conducted in 100% and 83% of participants, respectively. Age was the strongest independent predictor of vascular health (cIMT, Age, R square = 0.576, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Non-invasive measures of arterial structure and function are feasible to assess and may assist in the prediction of CVD risk in adults with CP.