| At least 50% of children have one or more cardiovascular disease
(CVD) risk factor. We aimed to 1) determine the prevalence of CVD
risk factors in a sample of Canadian children, and 2) create a Healthy
Heart Score that could be used in a school setting, to identify children
with a greater number and severity of CVD risk factors. Children (n
= 242, 122M, 120F, aged 9-11 years) were assessed for cardiovascular
fitness, physical activity, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, and
body mass index (BMI). Biological values were converted to age and
sex specific percentiles and allocated a score. Healthy Heart Scores
could range between 5 and 18, with lower scores suggesting a healthier
cardiovascular profile. Seventy-seven children volunteered for blood
samples in order to assess the relationship between the Healthy Heart
Score and (total cholesterol (TC), high and low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDL, LDL) and triglycerides (TG). Fifty eight percent
of children had elevated scores for at least 1 risk factor. The group
mean Healthy Heart Score was 8 (2.2). The mean score was significantly
higher in boys (9 (2.2)) compared with girls (8 (2.1), p < 0.01).
A high score was significantly associated with a low serum HDL, a
high TC:HDL and a high TG concentration. Our results support other
studies showing a high prevalence of CVD risk factors in children.
Our method of allocation of risk score, according to percentile, allows
for creation of an age and sex specific CVD risk profile in children,
which takes into account the severity of the elevated risk factor.
KEY
WORDS: Cardiovascular, children, physical activity, cardiovascular
fitness, risk factors.
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