Pediatric Obesity, Hypertension, Lipids.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The rise of the pediatric obesity pandemic over the past 40 years has sharpened focus on the management of obesity, hypertension and lipid abnormalities in children. Multiple studies demonstrate that these risk factors track from childhood into adulthood predisposing individuals to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and putting them at risk for early morbidity and mortality.

Recent findings: Importantly, obesity, hypertension and lipid problems are individual risk factors that can occur independently. Multiple studies have shown that each risk factor causes target organ damage in children. Intensive and focused lifestyle modifications can improve a child's subclinical disease and decrease the risk for future morbidity.

Summary: Childhood offers a unique opportunity at primordial and primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Clinicians must focus on targeting these highly prevalent conditions and applying lifestyle modification and then pharmacologic or surgical therapies as needed.