Endothelial Function in Adolescents with a History of Premature Coronary Artery Disease in One Parent

In young adults, a family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as genetic and environmental factors are independent risk factors for coronary artery disease . Methods: Endothelial function was studied in 30 children (21 boys and 9 girls with mean age of 14.9 +/- 2.3 years old)of patients with documented CAD (men $ 45 and women :5:; 50 years old) . Chidren did not have any history of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking (active/passive). Using vascular ultrasound, we measured resting Basal Brachial artery Diameter (BBD) and,Endothelium-Dependent Dilatation (EDD) in response to inereased flow and sublingual glyceryltrinitrate (GTN), an Endotheliwn-lndependent Dilation (ElD). These parameters were also measured in 30 control subj ects with normal parents (18 boys and 12 girls with mean age of 14.2 +/- 2/5years old) and results were compared with each other. Results: Adolescents in CAD group had abnormal Endothel ial Dependent Dilatation or EDDIBBD (8.5 +/- 3.4% vs ] 1.8 +/- 4.5% in control subjects; P= 0.003). Endotheliallndependent Dilatation (ElDIBBD) in the positive fimily history group was significantly more than eontrol subjeets (18.5 +/- 6.7% vs ] 1.9 +/- 5.2%; P 0.00I). EDDIEID or the index of endoth elial function was significantly lower in the positive family history group (0.92 +/- 0.05 vs 1+/- 0.03; P O.OO 1). There was no differenee in EDDlElD index between those with history of premature CAD in mother (7 cases) and those with history of premature CAD in father (23 cases ) (0.92 +/- 0.04 vs 0.91+/- 0.05). Conclusion: Normal adolescents without any cardiovascular risk factors but a history of premature coronary artery disease in one parent may have endothelial dysfunction, and there is no difference whether the CAD is in mother or father .