Atherosclerosis begins in childhood, and primary prevention through the identification and management of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia should begin in youth to prevent cardiovascular disease.
This review highlights the importance of identifying and managing cardiovascular risk factors in childhood to prevent or delay the onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Although the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, appear from middle age, the process of atherosclerosis can begin early in childhood. The early stage and progression of atherosclerosis in youth are influenced by risk factors that include obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking, and by the presence of specific diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and Kawasaki disease (KD). The existing evidence indicates that primary prevention of atherosclerotic disease should begin in childhood. Identification of children at risk for atherosclerosis may allow early intervention to decrease the atherosclerotic process, thereby preventing or delaying CVD. This review will describe the origin and progression of atherosclerosis in childhood, and the identification and management of known risk factors for atherosclerotic CVD in children and young adults.
Young Mi Hong (Fri,) conducted a review in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. Primary prevention and risk factor management was evaluated. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood, and primary prevention through the identification and management of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia should begin in youth to prevent cardiovascular disease.