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.