Cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with a family history of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Background : Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) is mainly seen in adults, atherosclerosis may commence in children. Objectives: To assess the frequency of hypertension and diabetes and to study the lipid profile among adolescents who have a family history of CVD. Method: A tertiary hospital based, observational prospective study was carried out from 1st May, 2013 to 30th April, 2014. Adolescents (11-18 years) with a history of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension or peripheral vascular disease in one or both parents or siblings were included in the study. Adolescents with diseases associated with accelerated atherosclerosis or premature CVD or on pharmacological agents leading to obesity or dyslipidaemia or interfering with glucose tolerance test were excluded from the study. The subjects were screened for obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes by physical examination and relevant investigations. Results: The study group comprised 127 children aged 11-18 years. History of CVD was present in a single family member in 123 adolescents while 4 adolescents had more than 1 family member suffering from CVD. Of these, hypertension was the most common CVD (53%) followed by diabetes (23%) and coronary artery disease (12%). Around 6% adolescents had more than one CVD present in their families. One or more cardiovascular risk factors were seen in around 38% and no risk factors were present in around 62% adolescents. Around 13% had dyslipidaemia, 11% had reported increased blood pressure records followed by 9% with increased fasting blood sugar. Body mass index was increased in 9.5% of adolescents. Conclusions: A positive correlation (P Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health , 2017; 46 (4): 326-330