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Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in children at risk of acute myocardial infarction: A comprehensive review
M Morales-Suárez-Varela1, C Torrijo Belanche2, M Saez3
1Research Group in Social and Nutritional Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology and Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de València, Burjassot, València, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Promoting healthy habits in childhood, including good nutrition and an active lifestyle, can significantly lower the risk of acute myocardial infarction in at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is uncommon in children but poses a significant risk for those with non-modifiable conditions.
- Controlling modifiable risk factors like poor diet and inactivity from childhood is crucial for mitigating AMI risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on interventions targeting lifestyle and nutrition-related modifiable risk factors for acute myocardial infarction in pediatric populations.
- To assess the impact of these interventions on reducing AMI risk in children.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of literature was conducted across four major databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- A total of 272 articles were screened, with 29 meeting the predefined inclusion criteria for the review.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates that adopting a healthy lifestyle, characterized by adequate dietary patterns and positive eating habits during childhood, is associated with a reduced prevalence of acute myocardial infarction.
- Findings support the hypothesis that lifestyle interventions can lower AMI risk in children identified as high-risk.
Conclusions:
- Healthy lifestyle choices and nutritional interventions in childhood are vital for preventing acute myocardial infarction in at-risk pediatric patients.
- Early promotion of healthy habits is a key strategy in pediatric cardiovascular disease prevention.
Abstract:
While acute myocardial infarction is rare in children, a part of the pediatric population is at a higher risk due to preexisting non-modifiable conditions. To mitigate the risk, modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet or sedentary lifestyle should be controlled from childhood, promoting healthy habits from the earliest stages. The primary purpose of this review is to assess the evidence on lifestyle/nutrition related modifiable risk factor intervention on the risk of acute myocardial infarction in children found in four databases, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and WoS. After screening, 29 of 272 articles assessed met the inclusion criteria. We found evidence that a healthy lifestyle, including an adequate dietary pattern and good eating habits in childhood, reduces the prevalence of acute myocardial infarction. The data retrieved from this review are consistent with the hypothesis that a healthy lifestyle might contribute lower the risk of acute myocardial infarction in at-risk children.
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