title: Factors associated with  arterial stiffness in children  aged 9-10 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the factors associated with stiffness of the great arteries in prepubertal children.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study with convenience sample of 231 schoolchildren aged 9-10 years enrolled in public and private schools in Vitória, ES, Southeastern Brazil, in 2010-2011. Anthropometric and hemodynamic data, blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity in the carotid-femoral segment were obtained. Data on current and previous health conditions were obtained by questionnaire and notes on the child's health card. Multiple linear regression was applied to identify the partial and total contribution of the factors in determining the pulse wave velocity values.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the students, 50.2% were female and 55.4% were 10 years old. Among those classified in the last tertile of pulse wave velocity, 60.0% were overweight, with higher mean blood pressure, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio. Birth weight was not associated with pulse wave velocity. After multiple linear regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) and diastolic blood pressure remained in the model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BMI was the most important factor in determining arterial stiffness in children aged 9-10 years.
authors.forename: Milena Santos
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Batista
authors.forename: José Geraldo
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Mill
authors.forename: Taisa Sabrina Silva
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Carolina Dadalto Rocha
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Maria del Carmen Bisi
authors.initials: Mdel C
authors.lastname: Molina
mesh_terms: D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight; D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D059289:Vascular Stiffness