TITLE:
A Review of Pediatric Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Current Guidelines
AUTHORS:
Deeksha Sarma, Lawrence M. Benedict, Achintya Moulick, Randy Stevens, Vicki Mahan
KEYWORDS:
Cardiovascular Disease, Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery,
Vol.8 No.4,
April
30,
2018
ABSTRACT: Dyslipidemia is a highly prevalent condition, and
includes a collection of diseases that cause increased levels of plasma
triglycerides and/or cholestrol, or decreased levels of HDL-C, with a prototypical
disease being familial hypercholesterolemia. Dyslipidemic conditions promote
increased atherogenesis through the oxidation of lipids by macrophages, and an
increased response to injury by the vascular endothelium. This vascular damage,
loss of vascular compliance, and overall hardening of arteries lead to
sequellae such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular events, and aneurysm
formation. It has been established that certain risk factors predispose
individuals to the sequellae of atherosclerosis, including smoking, diabetes,
hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. However, studies show that these risk factors
can be seen in children as well. This review aims to assess the effect of these
risk factors and demonstrate their effects through adolescence into adulthood.