Optimal heart health from birth through adolescence, as measured by a combination of metrics, leads to long-lasting cardiovascular and overall physical, cognitive, and mental health benefits. This is according to a systematic review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The findings suggest that maintaining ideal heart health from a young age can significantly reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer, dementia, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, and hearing loss, while also promoting better cognitive, dental, and eye health.
The metrics, developed by the American Heart Association, encompass lifestyle variables such as diet, physical activity, sleep, and the avoidance of smoking, alongside clinical factors like body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Researchers highlighted a concerning trend: even at younger ages, the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health is alarmingly low.
Importance of Early Prevention
“Childhood is a unique window where keeping these cardiovascular health metrics in optimal ranges will have a long-term benefit to all body systems, not just the heart,” said Dr. Amanda Marma Perak, a senior author of the study, pediatric cardiologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Marma Perak emphasized the role of parents in fostering heart-healthy habits. “Parents can focus on the four health habits—setting up their child’s daily routines to include a healthy diet, plenty of physical activity, and protected time for sleep, and then making clear their expectations about not smoking or vaping as the child gets older,” she stated. “For the four clinical factors, parents can check in with the pediatrician at each well child visit to ensure that their child’s BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are on track for a healthy future.”
Research Insights and Implications
The review analyzed nearly 500 studies published between January 2010 and January 2021. One notable study indicated that better cardiovascular health habits could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, even among individuals with a high genetic risk or a strong family history of heart disease. Another study revealed that adolescents were almost eight times less likely to have poor cardiovascular health when their mothers maintained better cardiovascular health during pregnancy, underscoring the potential for cardiovascular disease prevention to begin even before conception.
“Early prevention is key to a healthy adulthood. If parents are concerned about their child’s risk factors for heart disease, the Preventive Cardiology Program at Lurie Children’s can help set kids on a healthier path,” said Dr. Marma Perak. “We treat children with risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, or family history of early heart attacks or strokes. Our goal is to improve measures of cardiovascular health and prevent chronic diseases from head to toe.”
Gaps in Current Research
The review also highlighted significant gaps in research on cardiovascular health. Notably, there is minimal research focused on improving cardiovascular health in children or mothers during pregnancy. Additionally, studies examining the impact of mental health on cardiovascular health, particularly in children and teens, are lacking, despite indications that mental health is a crucial factor in achieving ideal cardiovascular health.
The systematic review was partially funded by a Strategically Focused Research Network grant from the American Heart Association and a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Lurie Children’s Hospital: A Hub for Pediatric Health
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every child. It stands as the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and is among fewer than 35 such hospitals nationwide. Lurie Children’s is a center for pediatric medicine, where top doctors train, practice, teach, advocate, and research the latest treatments. All resources at Lurie Children’s are devoted to serving children’s needs, with research conducted through the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which focuses on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine, and ensuring healthier futures through relentless pursuit of knowledge. The hospital is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and is ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
