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Coronary risk factors in schoolchildren
C Boreham1, J M Savage, D Primrose
1Department of Physical and Health Education, Queen's University of Belfast.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Northern Ireland schoolchildren exhibit high rates of coronary heart disease risk factors, including elevated blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profiles, and obesity. Early intervention is crucial to reduce future adult cardiovascular disease mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Pediatric Risk Assessment
- Public Health
Background:
- Northern Ireland has exceptionally high coronary heart disease (CHD) death rates.
- Previous data were insufficient to assess CHD risk factors in the pediatric population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of CHD risk factors in Northern Ireland schoolchildren.
- To establish baseline data for future public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A random 2% sample of 1015 children (aged 12 and 15) was studied.
- Data collected included blood pressure, lipid profiles, smoking habits, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and dietary fat intake.
Main Results:
- Significant percentages of children displayed elevated blood pressure (15-23%), unfavorable lipids (12-25%), and were overfat (18-34%).
- Among 15-year-olds, regular smoking (16-21%), poor cardiorespiratory fitness (26-34%), and low physical activity (24-29%) were prevalent.
- Dietary analysis indicated high fat intake (approx. 40% of energy) with unfavorable fatty acid ratios.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of Northern Ireland schoolchildren exhibit multiple CHD risk factors.
- Urgent, broad-based primary prevention strategies targeting children are necessary to mitigate future CHD mortality.