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Cardiovascular disease includes conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. While you may think that these conditions are more of a concern for adults, researchers are now highlighting how important it is to prevent cardiovascular disease from developing in children.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has developed guidelines to help promote heart health in children. It’s never too early to think about your child’s future! Learn how doctors can identify whether your child is at risk, what can be done to prevent cardiovascular problems, and which treatments can improve your child’s chances of being a healthy adult.

Is Your Child at Risk?

Based on the latest research, the NHLBI’s guidelines provide ways for doctors to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease in children. Recommended screenings include:

Screening

NHLBI Recommendation

Blood pressure measurement

annually beginning at age three years and then at every visit starting at age 18 years

Lipid profile (tests for cholesterol problems)

once between ages 9-11 years and again between ages 17-21 years; measure at other times if child is at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to family history of cardiovascular disease or child has diabetes, high blood pressure, or if the child is overweight

Other important factors that the doctor will consider include whether your child:

Has been exposed to secondhand smoke or has a personal history of smoking

Has a family history of cardiovascular disease

Has a sedentary lifestyle

Has a poor diet

By evaluating your child, the doctor can address conditions that are closely linked to cardiovascular problems, like obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

What Are the Recommendations?

Focusing on the areas of nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco exposure, the NHLBI recommends prevention and treatment guidelines for children of all ages. You can play an integral role at home by:

Note: If your child is at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the doctor will make additional recommendations, like eating a low-sodium and low-fat diet.

Showing your child the importance of being active by exercising and encouraging him to exercise, too

Putting limits on how much time your child is allowed to play video games, use computers, and watch TV

Doing fun activities together as a family such as playing ball or going for a hike

Having a safe area for your child to play outside

Making your home smoke-free—If you smoke, it is a good idea to quit

Talking to your child about the dangers of smoking—If your child smokes, help your child find strategies to quit.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, the doctor may need to prescribe medication if your child is diagnosed with a condition like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. No matter what your child’s age or risk factors, there are ways to make each day healthier. Creating routines that focus on good nutrition, exercise, and healthy habits can help your child set the stage for a long life and a strong heart.

Cholesterol and atherosclerosis in children. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Cholesterol-and-Atherosclerosis-in-Children_UCM_305952_Article.jsp. Updated August 7, 2012. Accessed May 6, 2014.

Expert panel on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular health and risk reduction in children and adolescents:
summary report. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cvd_ped/summary.htm. Published 2012. Accessed May 6, 2014.

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.