Promoting cardiovascular health in children and adolescents

Data accumulated over the past 3 decades indicate that cardiovascular disease processes are accelerated over the life course by potentially modifiable risk factors and environmental exposures. Based on available evidence, the American Heart Association and other pediatric agencies issued scientific statements and guidelines with recommendations for promoting the cardiovascular health of children and adolescents and for identifying and managing children at risk for cardiovascular disease. This article presents an overview of the evidence and emphasizes current recommendations for population-based and individually oriented approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention in childhood and adolescence.