Emerging cardiovascular risk factors in childhood and adolescence: a narrative review

It is widely recognized that four key health behaviors-regular physical activity, maintaining a normal BMI, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking-offer significant protection against cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. However, changes in the lifestyle of families have contributed to the emergence of new behaviors that may impact the health of children and adolescents. This narrative review aims to identify existing evidence on the effect of these arising habits on the cardiovascular health of children and adolescents, mainly on blood pressure and endothelial function. A thorough search was conducted across various databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Science Direct and EBSCO.

CONCLUSION

 Some of the behaviors most frequently identified in the pediatrician's office are childhood stress and behavioral disorders, new forms of nicotine consumption, the impact of the use of screens and digital devices, changes in sleep patterns, and, finally, the generalization of energy drinks and supplements to promote muscle development, mainly in adolescents. The effect on cardiovascular health, mainly on blood pressure, does not seem negligible. Early identification of these unhealthy behaviors might allow the pediatrician to intervene and prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Traditional cardiovascular risks (poor diet, inactivity, smoking, obesity) contribute to hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in youth. • Western family lifestyles have shifted dramatically over two decades, altering pediatric environments.

WHAT IS NEW

• Emerging risks include psychosocial stressors, novel nicotine products, screen time-induced HTN, sleep deprivation, and energy drink/supplement use. • These factors correlate with blood pressure elevation, endothelial damage, and chronic inflammation, urging pediatricians to address non-traditional factors in holistic care.