Importance of adverse childhood experiences

Abstract

As we learn more about the life-course approach to chronic disease development, it has become clear that a range of exposures during fetal life, childhood, and adolescence can have a profound impact on health and disease in adulthood. In this volume of The Journal, Andrade et al report on an assessment of adverse childhood experiences and increased cardiometabolic risk in Hispanic adolescents. The authors included 10 adverse experiences that are commonly evaluated and added bullying as an additional adverse experience. They found that those adolescents who experience 4 or greater adverse childhood experiences were more likely to have obesity and markers of cardiometabolic risk than those with fewer adverse experiences (Figure). Research is needed to better understand the mechanisms by which adverse experiences in childhood result in increased cardiometabolic risk. Such research may lead to interventions that could prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the meantime, efforts should be made to reduce the number and severity of adverse experiences for children. Article page 267 ▸ Adverse Childhood Experiences Are Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk among Hispanic American AdolescentsThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 237PreviewTo assess the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and cardiometabolic risk among Hispanic adolescents. Full-Text PDF