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[Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in childhood]
Insights
Children with a family history of early myocardial infarction show increased risks for atherosclerosis. Elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and apoprotein B, with decreased HDL cholesterol, indicate a significant atherogenic threat in these youth.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Context:
- Atherosclerosis risk factors in pediatric populations.
- Importance of family history in identifying at-risk children.
- Comparison of lipid metabolism and atherogenic indices.
Purpose:
- To investigate atherosclerosis risk factors in children with a paternal history of premature myocardial infarction (MI).
- To compare lipid profiles and atherogenic indices in at-risk children versus controls.
- To identify key indicators of atherogenesis in pediatric subjects.
Summary:
- Children from families with premature paternal MI exhibited significantly higher cholesterol, triglyceride, and apoprotein B levels.
- Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and an elevated LDL/HDL ratio were prevalent in the at-risk group.
- Over half of the children in at-risk families showed indicators of developing atherosclerosis.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical need for regular monitoring and lifestyle interventions in children with a positive family history of cardiovascular disease.
- Identifies specific lipid abnormalities and atherogenic indices as crucial markers for early atherosclerosis detection in youth.
- Emphasizes the role of genetic predisposition and early-life factors in the development of atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Risk factors for atherosclerosis in children were studied in families where the father had suffered from myocardial infarction before the age of 45 years and in the families of the closest relatives. The values of metabolism of lipids and atherogenic indexes were compared with the findings in a series of children with no positive family history. In children of at risk families cholesterol and triglyceride values were increased in 34.3%, HDLc was decreased in 42.1%, and apoprotein B was increased in 53.1%. Of the atherogenic indexes the LDL/HDL ratio proved to be the most significant. More than half of the children from at risk families can be considered to be threatened with atherogenesis. These children have to be followed up regularly and great care is to be given to a proper regimen.