This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Obesity epidemic has adverse effects on cardiovascular health of today’s children
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Compared with children from two decades ago, today’s children weigh more and have a higher BMI and left ventricular mass — putting them at greater risk for heart disease and stroke, according to data presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009.
“The prevalence of obesity in the United States and in other developed countries is on the rise and has reached epidemic proportions among adults and children,” David Crowley, MD, clinical fellow in cardiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, said during a press conference.
Crowley and colleagues assessed 20-year changes in BMI and LV mass among 700 healthy children and adolescents. They divided participants into two groups: prior era (1986 to 1988) and current era (2008).
Data indicated that children from the current era are on average taller (P=.04), weigh more (P<.0001), have a higher BMI (P=.0004) and are more likely to be overweight or obese (P<.0001) compared with children from the prior era.
In addition, echocardiogram results indicated that children of the current era had significantly higher LV mass (P=.02) and LV hypertrophy (P=.01) when compared with children of the prior era.
“If we do not get a handle on this and children continue to get heavier, then their hearts will continue to get thicker and our children will be at an even more increased risk for heart attack and stroke,” Crowley said. – by Jennifer Southall
For more information:
- Crowley D. #1474. Presented at: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009; Nov. 14-18, 2009; Orlando, Fla.