Pediatria pre prax 5/2010

Risk factors of atherosclerosis in childhood

Nowadays there is no doubt that arteosclerosis begins since childhood and its evolution is influenced by the same risk factors as in adults. Since in children and juveniles there is not possible to identify individuals with atherosclerotic lesions through clinical symptoms, most attention is paid to biochemistry indicators (lipidogram), anthropometric results and blood pressure measuring and these methods assist in discovering atherogenetic risk indicators. Lipid factors surely act the central role in atherogenesis, however there is also a progression of atheroslerotic lesions even with normal lipidemia level with participation of non-lipid risk factors. An important significance in assessment of the risk of cardiovascular diseases is attributed to the family health history details. Without doubt the primary prevention of atheroslerosis should be one of the pediatricians activity objectives.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, risk factor, child, adolescent, cholesterol, obesity.