Grow Up Strong -- Be Heart Healthy
Early signs of atherosclerosis -- including the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which form the beginnings of more troublesome plaques that can eventually block arteries and cause heart disease -- are now being seen in kids as young as 12.
Even mildly overweight kids are vulnerable, and the risk rises with excess weight. One study found that the arteries of obese kids resemble those of middle-aged cigarette smokers.
Other factors that can contribute to fatty deposits in your child's arteries include:
- Physical inactivity
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Poor diet (high in fat and sugar and low in fruits and veggies)
The more risk factors your child has, the greater the likelihood of heart problems later in life.
Making heart-healthy changes to diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors early in life -- before risk factors have become well established -- is the best way to prevent coronary heart disease later in life. Focus on:
- Balancing calories taken in with calories spent
- Exercising regularly and setting goals to lose any excess pounds
- Avoiding cigarette smoke, both first- and secondhand
When making these lifestyle changes, it's best to involve your entire family.
