Hyperlipidemia and Cardiovascular Risk in Children and Adolescents

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The onset of the atherosclerosis process occurs during childhood and adolescence, subsequently leading to the onset of cardiovascular disease as young adults. Several cardiovascular risk factors can be identified in children and adolescents; however, hyperlipidemia, in conjunction with the global obesity epidemic, has emerged as the most prevalent, playing a key role in the development of ASCVD. Therefore, screening for hyperlipidemia is strongly recommended to detect high-risk children presenting with these disorders, as these patients deserve more intensive investigation and intervention. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible in order to reduce the risk of future ASCVD. In this review, we will discuss lipid metabolism and hyperlipidemia, focusing on correlations with cardiovascular risk and screening and therapeutic management to reduce or almost completely avoid the development of ASCVD.

Automated summary

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of atherosclerosis starts in childhood and adolescence and progresses into cardiovascular disease in young adults. Among various cardiovascular risk factors, hyperlipidemia, along with the global obesity epidemic, has emerged as the most prevalent factor, playing a crucial role in the development of ASCVD. Screening for hyperlipidemia is strongly recommended to identify high-risk children who require intensive investigation and intervention. Early initiation of treatment is essential to reduce the risk of future ASCVD. This review focuses on lipid metabolism, hyperlipidemia, and their correlations with cardiovascular risk, as well as screening and therapeutic management to prevent or minimize the development of ASCVD.