It is well known that more than 80% of cardiovascular deaths could be prevented with timely identification and adequate control of risk factors. However cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of death in the adults worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and… it can begin to develop in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, many young adults may already have lesions in the arteries, although in most cases they are asymptomatic. The evolution of atherosclerosis until the first cardiovascular event, for example an acute myocardial infarction or stroke, is usually a slow process, taking several years. But if we want to prevent and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, prevention must start early! Good habits start in childhood Dietary errors, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, hypertension, high cholesterol and tobacco use are well-known cardiovascular risk factors in adults. Are these risk factors also important in children and adolescents? If so, how early should prevention begin? Answering this question was what researchers from three countries wanted: They studied 38 589 children aged 3-19 years old, with an average of 11 years old; Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined, and tobacco consumption was recorded for each of them; Children were then followed into adulthood; On average, the follow-up period lasted 35 years; The occurrence of cardiovascular events and eventual death from cardiac causes was recorded. The results speak for themselves In the population followed, 4% of adults had a cardiac event, which occurred on average at age 47 years. Children who were overweight, had blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides above average and who smoked had up to a 10 times greater risk of developing a cardiac event. For each of the risk factors, the risk of a cardiac event was : Smoking during adolescence: risk 1.6 times higher; Excess weight: risk 1.6 times higher; Obesity: risk 3 times higher; Hypertension: 2 times higher risk; Triglycerides and/or high cholesterol: 2-3 times higher risk. Some advice to help It is important to reinforce cardiovascular risk prevention measures in children and adolescents as well. In these young people, prevention should focus on lifestyle, namely : Maintain body weight within normal limits, that is, a body mass index (BMI) below the 85th percentile; Do at least 60 minutes a day of moderate or intense exercise; Eat a balanced diet: 4-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day; 2-3 servings of whole grains (and no added sugar) a day; At least 2 servings of fish per week; Less than 1.5 g of salt per day; Reduce to minimum or do not drink beverages with added sugar, namely juices, soft drinks, chocolate milk, energy drinks, among others. No smoking! Remember... Cardiovascular prevention begins with our children and with all children . The same choices that correspond to a healthy lifestyle in adults can and should also be implemented in children. By doing so we will be giving an average of 12 more years of life to a child! And this will be a priceless gain, achieved without medication or other interventions. Making healthier choices is all it takes to give kids the energy they need and a longer, healthier life! Author : José Ferreira Santos References Jacobs DR Jr, Woo JG, Sinaiko AR, et al. Childhood cardiovascular risk factors and adult cardiovascular events . N Engl J Med 2022;386:1877-1888. Petersen KS, Kris-Etherton PM. Prevention of cardiovascular disease starts in childhood. NAM Perspectives. Commentary, National Academy of Medicine, Washington. Pool LR, Aguayo L, Brzezinski M, et ak. Childhood risk factors and adulthood cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. J Pediatr 2021;232:118-126.e23. Meet the cardiology clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
