Childhood risk factors linked to later cardiovascular disease

Investigators may have uncovered the childhood risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in middle-aged patients, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.

The investigators assessed the impact of early life factors such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, smoking status and body mass index on the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood among 10,634 patients.

They found that high LDL cholesterol and BMI were both directly and indirectly correlated with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease in middle-aged patients. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure showed indirect effects mediated through adulthood risk factors.

The investigators concluded that early life interventions to mitigate risk factors may help prevent cardiovascular disease later in life.

Read more: JAMA Network Open

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