Atherosclerosis originating from childhood: Specific features

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pediatric Health
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a prevalent cardiovascular disease typically associated with aging.
• Emerging evidence indicates atherosclerosis can develop in early life, including intrauterine and childhood stages.
• Traditional research has focused on age-related atherosclerosis, overlooking early-onset disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the developmental processes of atherosclerosis in childhood.
• To identify and examine the prerequisites for early-onset atherosclerosis.
• To synthesize current knowledge on non-adult atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of factors contributing to childhood atherosclerosis.
• Examination of developmental pathways from fetal life through childhood.

Main Results:

• Atherosclerosis development can initiate during fetal development and continue through childhood.
• Childhood atherosclerosis is influenced by nutritional status, prior infectious diseases, and maternal/child weight.
• Early life factors significantly impact the trajectory of atherosclerosis development.

Conclusions:

• Atherosclerosis is not exclusively a disease of older adults; it has pediatric origins.
• Understanding childhood atherosclerosis prerequisites is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies.
• Further research into early life factors is warranted to combat the global burden of atherosclerosis.