[Prevention of cardiovascular diseases in childhood and adolescence]

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Apart from a few exceptions heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial occlusive disease first occur in later adulthood. The cornerstone for these diseases, however, is already laid by accelerated vascular aging in childhood. Apart from pediatric medical preventive check-ups, the medical care of the parents should also be a reason for taking action. A detailed family history enables many conclusions to be drawn about the cardiovascular risk of the next generation This requires targeted diagnostics and appropriate interventions in childhood ranging from lifestyle measures up to pharmaceutical therapy. In this context the current guidelines on the diagnostics and treatment of hypercholesterolemia and arterial hypertension in children and adolescents are also presented.