Atherosclerosis from Newborn to Adult-Epidemiology, Pathological Aspects, and Risk Factors.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pediatric Pathology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of mortality, with atherosclerosis underlying most cases.
• Atherosclerosis is a chronic, immune-inflammatory process initiating in childhood with fatty streaks and progressing to complex plaques.
• Plaque rupture leading to coronary thrombosis is a common cause of CVD mortality, with increasing global prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of atherosclerosis origin and progression in childhood.
• To identify known risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes information from epidemiological studies and existing literature.
• Focuses on the early pathological changes and identified risk factors in children.

Main Results:

• Atherosclerosis begins in childhood, characterized by lipid and inflammatory cell accumulation in arteries.
• Key risk factors identified include dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and smoking.
• These factors contribute to the early pathogenic foundation for atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Atherosclerosis is an early-onset disease with significant long-term cardiovascular implications.
• Understanding childhood risk factors is essential for preventing adult cardiovascular disease.
• Further research and early intervention strategies are needed for pediatric populations.