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Published on: May 14, 2014
Prevention of atherosclerosis in childhood
Insights
Early screening for childhood cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure is crucial. Identifying and managing these risks in children can prevent premature adult heart and brain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Atherosclerosis, characterized by fatty streaks and fibrous plaques, originates in childhood.
- Childhood cholesterol and blood pressure levels are linked to the development of these plaques.
- Elevated levels in children predict future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, especially with a family history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of early screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children.
- To highlight the potential of childhood screening to prevent adult CVD.
- To outline recommended screening protocols and interventions for pediatric CVD risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Annual physical examinations for children aged 5 and older.
- Careful blood pressure measurements by two observers.
- Determination of serum total cholesterol levels, plotted on standard percentile grids.
Main Results:
- Childhood atherosclerosis is linked to serum total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure.
- Children with persistently elevated levels are at risk for premature coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease.
- Screening is effective, simple, and inexpensive for identifying at-risk children.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric screening for CVD risk factors is vital for primary prevention.
- Early intervention, including lifestyle modifications and medication if necessary, can mitigate future adult CVD.
- Pediatric health professionals play a key role in reducing the burden of adult CVD.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis begins in infancy, with fatty streaks appearing at the age of 3 years and fibrous plaques appearing during adolescence. Fatty streaks and fibrous plaques are related to serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, and systolic blood pressure levels. Children with elevated levels of cholesterol and blood pressure track (i.e., maintain elevated levels over time) and are candidates for premature coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease, especially if there is a positive family history of premature CVD. Screening for CVD risk factors in children is rapid, simple, inexpensive, and effective, with tremendous potential to prevent future adult CVD. At their annual physical examinations, children 5 years of age or older should have careful blood pressure measurements by two observers, and determinations of serum total cholesterol levels. Levels should be plotted on standard percentile grids (Figs. 5-7) in the child's permanent medical record. Those with persistently elevated levels of blood pressure and/or serum LDL-C require nonpharmacologic intervention initially, but may require antihypertensive or antilipid medication if unresponsive to behavioral modification for diet, physical activity, and cigarette smoking. Pediatric health professionals can play vital roles in primary prevention and reduction of adult CVD.
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