Precocious evaluation of cardiovascular risk and its correlation with perinatal condition

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics and Public Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Non-communicable Disease Prevention

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death, exacerbated by conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
• Children and adolescents are critical targets for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention strategies.
• The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept emphasizes perinatal influences on adult NCD risk.

Approach:

• This review identifies specific perinatal factors contributing to early-onset cardiovascular risk.
• It examines biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic syndrome in pediatric populations.
• The study highlights protective strategies, such as breastfeeding, against cardiovascular risk development.

Key Points:

• Low or high birth weight and Cesarean delivery are identified as significant risk factors for cardiovascular biomarkers in children and adolescents.
• Breastfeeding, particularly up to two years of age, is a crucial protective strategy against developing cardiovascular risk.
• Early identification of cardiovascular risk factors through evaluation of perinatal conditions is essential.

Conclusions:

• Evaluating perinatal conditions and identifying precocious cardiovascular risk factors in youth is an effective strategy for preventing and controlling cardiovascular mortality.
• Interventions, including lifestyle modifications during critical developmental windows, can mitigate the risk of cardiometabolic disease.
• Focusing on DOHaD principles offers a pathway to reduce the long-term burden of cardiovascular disease.