Cardiovascular disease risk factor variables during the first year of life
G. S. Berenson, C. V. Blonde, R. P. Farris, T. A. Foster, G. C. Frank, S. R. Srinivasan, A. W. Voors and L. S. Webber
Cardiovascular risk factor variables were measured in a cohort of 440
infants at birth 6 months, and 1 year of age. Blood pressures at 6 months
of age were 93/47 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic pressure, fourth phase) and
97/51 mm Hg at 1 year of age. Serum total cholesterol, beta-lipoprotein,
and alpha-lipoprotein levels rose dramatically from birth to 1 year of age.
Serum triglycerides also showed an increase from birth to 6 months of age,
but a decrease from 6 months to 1 years of age. At 6 months of age, the
infants were consuming 949 kcal and at 1 year, 1,356 kcal. A statistically
significant correlation between serum cholesterol level and protein, fat,
cholesterol, and carbohydrate intake was noted at 1 year of age. These
observations provide a background for tracing the evolution of risk factor
variables as part of the early natural history of arteriosclerosis.
