Cardiovascular disease risks in adolescent males

Although primary prevention efforts aimed at reducing heart disease have focused on adults, there is evidence that risk factors for heart disease are likely to be present in children and adolescents. To identify the risk factors present in adolescent boys, 82 male adolescents were enrolled in a study. Blood pressure, cholesterol, percent body fat, and body mass index (BMI) were measured along with data collection pertaining to diets, substance use, stress, and family history of heart disease. A statistically significant number of adolescent male subjects had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high percent body fat, and high BMI and used substances associated with heart disease (smoking cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, alcohol, and amino acids). Thus, interventions must begin early in life if heart disease is to be prevented.