Atherosclerosis lifestyle risk factors in children with congenital heart disease

Abstract

To assess lifestyle risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in children with congenital heart disease. Surveys were distributed to 329 unselected cardiac children. Many patients were taking an unhealthy diet and did not eat fruit (68%), vegetables (60%) or low-fat milk products (60%) every day, whereas 41% drank sweetened beverages and 89% ate foods high in fats at least three times a week. Only 15% spent half an hour daily involved in after-school physical activity, whereas 7.6% were overweight, 4.3% had arterial hypertension, 50% were passive smokers and 12% of teenagers were active smokers. Most cardiac children have modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. This highlights the importance of enhancing actions to promote a healthy lifestyle addressed to that population. © 2007, European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved.