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Double-Trouble: Atherosclerotic Risk Factors and Congenital Heart Disease

Justin P Zachariah1

  • 1Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. justin.zachariah@bcm.edu.

Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|June 12, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Youth with congenital heart disease (CHD) face higher risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Early management of obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension is crucial for improving long-term health outcomes in these vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Youth with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to genetic and acquired risk factors.
  • Successful management of CHD necessitates addressing ASCVD risk factors to enhance patient longevity and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review guidelines for evaluating and managing obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension in youth under 18.
  • To highlight the specific vulnerabilities of CHD patients, particularly those with a history of cardiac surgery and residual disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical guidelines for ASCVD risk factor management in pediatric CHD patients.
  • Focus on lifestyle, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions tailored to CHD survivors.

Main Results:

  • Obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are highly prevalent ASCVD risk factors in youth with CHD.
  • Targeting these risk factors is essential to prevent ASCVD morbidity and mortality in CHD survivors.
  • Regular assessment of global risk factors, lifestyle counseling, and timely pharmacotherapy/surgery are recommended.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians must proactively manage ASCVD risk factors in CHD patients to improve long-term health.
  • Future research should focus on interventions to optimize risk factor identification and treatment in this population.
  • Integrating comprehensive risk factor assessment and intervention into routine care is vital for CHD survivors.
Abstract

Keywords:
Childhood obesityCholesterolCongenital heart diseaseLipid disordersPediatric cardiologyPediatric hypertensionReview

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