Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Adolescence: New Possibilities

It is currently known that the atherosclerosis process starts in childhood. Thus, in order to decrease the number of cardiovascular events in the adult population, it was necessary to establish strategies aimed at preventing the development of risk factors in children. Of these, obesity is one of the most accountable elements. Obesity and its consequences, especially in adolescents, has been an increasingly frequent reality in cardiologists’ offices. Studies have shown that a high body mass index means a greater probability of developing chronic diseases, including, and among them, atherosclerosis, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and comorbidities, such as obstructive sleep apnea.^, These risk factors, also during growth and development, tend to join and act in favor of cardiovascular disease.

Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are indeed a matter of concern. A close look shows that, in the last twenty years, their proportion has greatly increased in several countries.^,, Adolescence is characterized by significant changes in body composition, especially during puberty. The follow-up and monitoring are essential since weight, body fat and lean mass are predictive characteristics of the development of cardiovascular risk factors in adult life.^, This age group, within this scenario, has a five-fold greater risk of excessive adiposity in the future, thus becoming a marker of increased cardiometabolic risk.

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