Prevention of Heart Disease Starts in Childhood

Doctors are urging parents to help keep kids hearts healthy for adulthood. -File Photo

By Madhu Sharma, MD, Pediatric Cardiologist, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore 

Bronx Voice 

August 14, 2023

NEW YORK - Heart disease was once considered to be a health issue that only affected adults. Unfortunately today it is increasingly affecting children and young adults too.

Atherosclerotic heart disease (a leading cause of illness and death around the world) is the development of a sticky substance called plaque, which is made up of cholesterol in the blood vessels – called arteries. The plaque narrows the arteries over time, and this causes decreased blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. This, in turn increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other heart diseases later in life.

Preventive cardiology in pediatrics plays an essential role in teaching families about the importance of heart health in children and adolescents. Most importantly, as cardiologists our goal is to ensure that families understand heart disease can start in early childhood and help them to identify the risk factors and share healthy habits with them.

The good news is that early intervention can significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents and improve long-term outcomes.

Screening for Risk Factors

Factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerotic heart disease include obesity, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits. If high cholesterol runs in the family, that can also be a risk factor.

Healthcare providers use various screening tools to assess a person’s risk, including taking a detailed family history, running blood tests, assessing body mass index, and taking blood pressure measurements. Early identification of risk factors helps us provide timely interventions and improve outcomes.

Early Intervention and Treatment 

Developing healthy habits in childhood is key for preventing heart disease later in life. Preventive measures and lifestyle changes include healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, decreasing exposure to smoke (active and passive) and regular check-ups with your pediatrician.

A heart healthy diet means eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and less consumption of foods rich in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol

We recommend that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 3-5 times a week to maintain a healthy weight and enhance cardiovascular health. They should also be encouraged to maintain a healthy weight by eating balanced meals, using portion control, and reducing inactive behaviors, like watching TV and playing video games.

Collaboration is Key

Making the suggested adjustments earlier can help to reduce immediate and long-term risks and slow progression of disease. Obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol are risk factors that can be addressed by the family and their healthcare team. These efforts are most effective in collaboration with various healthcare providers, including pediatricians, pediatric cardiologists, nutritionists, exercise specialists, psychologists, school-health based medical providers and community health workers. A collaborative network between the healthcare system, families and community helps in achieving well-coordinated care, leading to better health outcomes.

Take Action!

Preventive cardiology plays a vital role in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease among children and adolescents. Identifying risk factors early, promoting healthy habits and timely interventions and treatment, not only improves the immediate health but also reduces cardiovascular disease incidence in the future. 

To learn more about the pediatric cardiology program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, call 718 741 2343.