Prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a priority
Cardiovascular disease, mainly caused by atherosclerosis, is a major problem and the leading cause of death in the developed world.
The early stages of atherosclerosis begin in childhood, according to various studies.
The risk factors associated with the development of early arterial lesions in children and young adults are the same as those that cause serious vascular disease in adulthood. These include increased Body Mass Index (BMI) >95th percentile, arterial hypertension, increased LDL cholesterol levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, and smoking.
The severity of asymptomatic cardiovascular disease increases depending on the number of risk factors from the age of 2 years as well as their severity.
Both genetically determined diseases and acquired factors that lead to the formation of atherosclerosis must be identified in a timely manner in order to prevent its development and ensure good cardiovascular health in adulthood.
With regard to lipid disorders, in clinical practice dyslipidemia occurs in obese and insulin-resistant children.
In addition, the various genetically determined diseases that lead to elevated cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in cardiovascular diseases and events (ischemic episodes, strokes).
Early identification and initiation of lipid-lowering treatment based on international guidelines, even if the desired goals are not achieved, reduces the development and progression of atherosclerotic disease. All children, even those with genetically predetermined dyslipidemias, should be encouraged to follow healthy dietary behaviors that promote cardiovascular health.
Children and adolescents who follow unhealthy habits have a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The positive effect of appropriate healthy dietary behavior has been recorded until middle age. These patients had a longer life expectancy, were more likely to be free of cardiovascular events and ultimately had a better quality of life.
There are three parameters of proper healthy dietary behavior in children and adolescents, and the earlier they are educated in them, the more likely they are to follow them in their adult lives:
- Physical exercise>180 minutes per week of at least moderate intensity
- A diet low in salt, high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Physiological Body Mass Index (BMI) <85th percentile
The above parameters, through epidemiological studies, have shown that they ensure to a significant extent, starting from childhood, normal values of blood pressure, lipids, serum glucose and consequently the prevention of atherosclerotic disease and its consequences on the cardiovascular system in adulthood.
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