Key result
Young children average ~75 on Life's Essential 8 cardiovascular health scores, linked to family factors.
Why the study?
Promotion of cardiovascular health during young childhood is critical for preventing later disease, but factors related to CVH in young children are not well described.
Cohort (n=269)
Young children exhibit moderate cardiovascular health based on Life's Essential 8 scores, with notable deficits in physical activity and diet that are linked to caregiver and family factors.
Family and caregiver factors may shape early CVH; leaves open whether targeting them improves outcomes.
INTRODUCTION: Promotion of cardiovascular health (CVH) during young childhood is critical for preventing later disease. METHODS: This study describes the CVH of 269 young children from an observational cohort study and examines child, caregiver, and family factors related to CVH. Child anthropometrics were measured. Parents reported on child smoking exposure, sleep, physical activity, diet, and possible CVH correlates. CVH composite scores were calculated using the American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 (LE8) framework. RESULTS: The average LE8 score for the sample was in the moderate CVH range (74.8 ± 10.2). Most children had no smoking exposure (92%), met sleep recommendations (66%), and had a healthy weight (76%). Few children met recommendations for physical activity or diet. Caregiver (education, age, health) and family (household size, insurance) factors related to CVH. DISCUSSION: CVH promotion efforts for young children should target physical activity, diet, and caregiver and family factors.
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Stough et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Cardiovascular health (n=269). Caregiver and family factors was evaluated on Life's Essential 8 (LE8) composite score. Among 269 young children, the average Life's Essential 8 cardiovascular health score was 74.8 ± 10.2, and was related to caregiver and family factors.
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