In 2002, the American Heart Association (AHA) published an updated version of its “Guide to Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease”. It presented recommendations for the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in adults. Since then, research has shown that the primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease (eg, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of physical activity, overweight and obesity , and smoking) are occurring in alarmingly increasing rates among children and young adults. These findings, in combination with evidence of the presence of fatty streaks (often the precursors to atherosclerotic lesions) in the arteries of children as young as three, led researchers to believe that the time to begin preventing cardiovascular disease is in childhood.
To address this need, the American Heart Association (AHA) published guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in children and young adults. Researchers have learned that behavior patterns adopted in childhood are carried into adulthood. Habits such as diet, level of physical activity, and smoking have a large impact on the number of cardiovascular risk factors. Stopping them before they start is the best way to begin.
The guidelines represent a practical approach to the promotion of cardiovascular health in children. These guidelines are designed to be used by primary care physicians, specialists, and parents alike.
The guidelines are broken down into two strategies. The first is a set of general recommendations directed at promoting cardiovascular health in all children and young adults. The second strategy is designed to help physicians and parents identify and manage those children who are at the highest risk for atherosclerotic disease. The following is a brief discussion of each strategy.
According to the AHA guidelines, there are a number of things you, as a parent, can do to promote cardiovascular health in your children:
If you and your child’s doctor determine that your child may be at risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life, it will be important that the two of you work as a team to help your child reduce her risks. The AHA guidelines for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in these children include:
Above all, one of the most effective ways to teach your children about how to live a healthy lifestyle, is to follow one yourself. Children learn by example and the dietary and exercise patterns you demonstrate while they grow up will have a definite impact on the choices they make later in life.
RESOURCES:
American Council on Exercise
http://www.acefitness.org
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca/home/index_e.aspx
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/Page.asp?PageID=24
References:
American Heart Association guidelines for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease beginning in children. AHA Scientific Statement. Circulation. 2003;107:1562-1566. Available at: http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/107/11/1562. Accessed March 29, 2010.
Heart disease is a pediatric problem: New guidelines point to lifestyle “training” in childhood. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3003554. Accessed September 11, 2003.
Youth and cardiovascular disease—statistics. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1059110431975FS11YTH3REV7-03.pdf . Accessed September 15, 2003.
Last reviewed March 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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