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What Are Some Of The Risk Factors For Heart Disease That May Develop During Chidlhood?

Robert Morrow, M.D., Chief, Pediatric Cardiology, David Clark Chair in Pediatric Cardiology, Arkansas Children's Hospital
December 29, 2008

Question: What are some of the risk factors for heart disease that may develop during chidlhood?

Answer: Adult coronary artery disease starts in childhood. In all likelihood most patients that are adults that have coronary disease had problems in childhood that set them up for developing problems later. These are obesity, high blood pressure, and a family history of coronary disease is an extremely important risk factor.

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So children -- if they're obese and have high blood pressure and have a family history -- are automatically in a higher risk group for getting coronary disease when they're older.

Next: What Kinds Of Tests Should My Child Have To Screen For Heart Disease? How Will I Know If He/She Needs Them?

Previous: How Common Is Heart Disease In Children?

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