Prevention and management of cardiovascular disease risk factors during childhood

Coronary artery disease (CAD) or alternatively called atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. There are multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs), which are the precursors for CAD. A chronic inflammation prompted by cholesterol-rich lipoproteins and other noxious CVDRF is central in the pathogenesis of CAD. Endothelial dysfunction is the first step in the development of CAD. There are many theories in the development of the atherosclerotic process such as the hygiene theory, genetic susceptibility, and the endothelial injury. For the modification and management of CVDRF, the disturbances in lipid and glucose metabolism, hypertension, obesity, and smoking are the most important targets. The main aim of both primordial and primary preventions is to prevent the first cardiovascular event rather than preventing the further myocardial infarction. The prevention should be considered and started early in childhood and not after the first cardiac event. The primary healthcare physicians, obstetricians, neonatologists, and pediatricians need to work together on prevention of CAD early in life and as early as in fetal life.

Key-words:

Cardiovascular disease risk factor - coronary artery disease - endothelial cell dysfunction - infection - inflammation

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
07. Juli 2022