Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Program

Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Program

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. Although disease manifestation in childhood is rare, risk factors for ASCVD begin in childhood which predict the presence of risk in adulthood if no intervention occurs. There is increasing evidence that risk reduction in childhood delays progression to clinical disease. The cost of intervention is outweighed by the reduction in morbidity and mortality from ASCVD.

Northwest Congenital Heart Care will provide a comprehensive evaluation of family history, assessment of risk factors, cardiovascular directed physical exam including blood pressure and the following:

• Dietary assessment
• Activity assessment
• ECG
• Echocardiogram (if indicated) to assess left ventricular mass index and to exclude conditions that may limit exercise participation
• 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• Point of care lipid and glucose screening
• Cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing to assess current fitness level, assess symptoms that may be preventing the patient from exercising regularly, and ultimately to provide an exercise prescription
• In-depth discussion of lifestyle modifications
• Medication therapy, when indicated, to achieve recommended lipid levels
• Coordination of care with dieticians, gastroenterologists and endocrinologists, as needed, for assessment and treatment of comorbidities
• Referral to community resources for healthy lifestyle maintenance

Risk factor identification includes:

• Family history
• Elevated BMI
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• Physical activity
• Tobacco exposure