Can Surrogate Markers Help Define Cardiovascular Disease in Youth?

Purpose of ReviewNon-invasive measurements such as arterial stiffness serve as proxy surrogates for detection of early atherosclerosis and ASCVD risk stratification. These surrogate measurements are influenced by age, gender, and ethnicity and affected by the physiological changes of puberty and somatic growth in children and adolescents.Recent FindingsThere is no consensus of the ideal method to measure surrogate markers in youth (< 18 years of age), nor standardized imaging protocols for youth. Currently, pediatric normative data are available but not generalizable.Summary of the ReviewIn this review, we provide rationale on how currently used surrogates can help identify subclinical atherosclerosis in youth and affirm their role in identifying youth at risk for premature CVD.

Automated summary

This review discusses the use of non-invasive measurements, such as arterial stiffness, as surrogate markers for early detection of atherosclerosis and ASCVD risk stratification. These surrogate markers are influenced by age, gender, and ethnicity, and are also affected by the physiological changes during puberty and somatic growth in children and adolescents. Currently, there is no consensus on the ideal measurement method and standardized imaging protocols for youth (<18 years of age). Pediatric normative data are available but not generalizable.