Cardiovascular lesions in children with obesity

А. Г. Кедринская, Г. И. Образцова, И. И. Нагорная

Authors: A. G. Kedrinskaya, G. I. Obraztsova, I. I. Nagornaya

Place: St Petersburg, Russia

Institution: Federal North-West Medical Research Centre Ministry of Health of Russia Federation

Abstract: The dominance of cardiovascular diseases in the structure of mortality and disability in developed countries as well as the increasing incidence of cardiovascular disorders led to development of conception of cardiovascular continuum based on the clinical evaluation of the risk factors for cardiovascular complications. In this regard studying ofthe initial stages ofthis process, i. e. childhood and adolescence, is of great interest. It is now apparent that childhood obesity may be regarded as a cardiovascular risk factor in adulthood. This fact also corresponds to the accumulated information on the cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents with obesity and its similarity with the changes found in adults. What also facilitates the importance of this issue is a steady worldwide increase of the percentage of infants with excess body weight, which may lead to possible increase in cardiovascular disease in the near future. The review covers early manifestations of cardiovascular disease in children with obesity, the development of endothelial dysfunction, remodeling of the artery wall and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and peripheral vessels. The review addresses the distinction of the hypertension development and course as well as the indication of cardiac remodeling and diagnostic criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy. The review provides directions in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular changes in children and adolescents with obesity.  

Keywords: children, adolescents, obesity, cardiovascular system, early diagnosis

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