Heart Disease May Start in Childhood

A national survey released by the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association o October 5, 2009 revealed that Americans are concerned about heart health but are not proactive enough about prevention of heart disease. The survey showed that 64% of Americans believe that processes related to heart disease do not start until adulthood. Research has shown that the effects of poor nutrition and exercise on the heart can start building up in childhood.

The survey highlights the need to pay attention to heart health for the family. Childhood health habits, such as overeating and lack of exercise may start the processes that can cause cardiovascular disease and a future heart attack.

In the past children spent their leisure time playing outdoors, givng them the health benefits of physical activity and fresh air. In modern time children often spend their time indoors, watching television or spending time on the internet. Easy access to fast food and high fat snacks, conbined with lack of activity, can start the process of heart disease at a very young age.

The national epidemic of obesity puts the health of children and adults at risk. Overweight in children is a problem that is on the increase. The risk of conditions related to obesity, include cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

According to the PCNA survey, recent research has found that when children learn about healthy eating habits they learn habits that can influence their lifestyle choices into adulthood. Parents set an example for their children, so parents with healthy lifestyles may ingrain good habits into their children. Even small changes in diet and it activity levels can help to reduce overweight and cholesterol levels and keep the risk of heart disease in check.

The Family at Health website offers family oriented tips based upon scientific research. According to Family at Health the roots of heart disease often begin in childhood. Research has shown that plaque begins to build up in the arteries (arteriosclerosis) very early in life. Fatty buildup has been found the the hearts of children who are as young as five years old.

Starting a healthy lifestyle in childhood can pay off in better health in adulthood. The Framingham Children's Study, started in 1985 as part of the Framingham Heart Study, examined how the diet and exercise habits of young children affected their future risk of heart disease. Researchers found that in the study the children who ate four or more services of produce (fruits and vegetables) had healthier blood pressure. Children who were more active had less body fat. Children whose parents had undesirable eating patterns were more likely to be overweight. By the time adolescence was reached, the BMI was highest for children who watched more television.

Parents can help their children have better health for a lifetime by modeling healthy health habits themselves. Practice cooking low fat food, using spices to flavor the food. In addition to eating a low fat diet with several servings of fresh fruit and vegetables daily, encourage physical activity, such as taking a walk in the park. A walk or a bicycle ride are activities that can be enjoyed together, and can be great quality time for parents and children.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including a nutritious diet and several days of exercise a week, can benefit both parents and children. The healthy lifestyle habits adopted in childhood can also prevent serious heart disease later in life.

Resources:
Family at Health
Americans Concerned about Heart Health by not Proactive

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