Prevention of cardiovascular disease: does atherosclerosis start in childhood?

Abstract

This article presents a review of the main cardiovascular risk factors and their aggregation in young age groups. Evidence from autopsy studies of the presence of atherosclerotic disease in this age group is highlighted, as well as its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, the need for health promotion measures for children and adolescents and the importance of identifying young people at high cardiovascular risk and proposing interventions on the different cardiovascular risk factors are emphasized, emphasizing that these measures will only be successful if implemented with the participation of the young person’s family, the community in which he or she lives, the entire society and the government. Only action at this stage of life will be able to effectively guarantee a healthier lifestyle for the cardiovascular system in adulthood.