Heart Disease Prevention Begins with Children and Good Parenting

Heart disease is called the “silent killer”. Why? Because the first symptom can be a fatal attack. Most people lead their lives unaware of the ticking time bomb within, neglecting lifestyle changes that could radically reduce the risk. The fact is, preventing heart disease needs to be a lifelong practice, starting in childhood.

Pediatric cardiologists and researchers who focus on identifying and mitigating risk factors for cardiovascular disease in children and young adults are proving the case. Studies show that obese children have higher levels of insulin resistance and inflammation than their non-obese peers, both of which are known risk factors for heart disease. Obese children also have stiffer arteries, which can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

But heart health among children can begin even earlier in their lives, including before birth. Long before childhood obesity becomes a risk factor for heart disease, low birth weight, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and childhood exposure to environmental toxins are a concern.

Support Canada Free Press