Significance of the atherosclerogenic index and body fat in children as markers for future, potential coronary heart disease

Background: The purpose of this study is to establish a simple marker in ch ildren for future, potential risks of coronary heart disease. Methods: We measured serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) by enzymatic methods, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) by the dextr an sulfate-magnesium method and estimated body fat by the new impedance met hod in 1289 children (651 boys and 638 girls) in the fourth grade (9 or 10 years old) to obtain the atherosclerogenic index (AI). We also investigated the children's lifestyle. Results: The probability of an AI score of 3 or more was significantly high er in children with an estimated 23-25% body fat than in those with body fa t less than 17%. Moreover, the odds ratio increased along with an increase in the percentage of body fat. When body fat was estimated as being greater than 29%, the odds ratio was 11-fold higher than those with body fat less than 17%. When body fat was greater than 23%, the children's physical activ ity, as assessed by the questionnaire, was found to be poorer than those wi th lower body fat. Levels of TC and TG were significantly higher and that o f HDLC was lower in those with less body fat. Conclusions: The AI is a useful indicator of obesity in children. The combi nation of AI and percentage body fat is a good indicator for evaluating chi ldren who would be at a greater risk of obesity, hyperlipidemia, unhealthy eating habits and inadequate physical activity. The hypothetical risk level s for future coronary heart disease are an AI score of greater than or equa l to 3 and percentage body fat greater than or equal to 23% in Japanese chi ldren.