Optimal heart health in children – from birth through adolescence – cuts the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, a systematic review has found.
Benefits included lower risks of cancer, dementia, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression
and hearing loss, as well as better cognitive, dental and eye health.
Researchers reviewed more than 480 studies published between January 2010 and January 2021. Optimal heart health was measured by a combination of metrics developed by the American Heart Association. These include diet, physical activity, sleep, avoiding smoking, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
‘Childhood is a unique window where keeping these cardiovascular health metrics in optimal ranges will have a longterm benefit to all body systems, not just the heart,’ said senior author Amanda Marma Perak.
She said parents can focus on four health habits: a healthy diet, physical activity, sleep, and setting out clear expectations at the relevant time on not smoking or vaping. ‘Early prevention is key to a healthy adulthood.’
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