Checking Heart Health in Kids

---

Nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric metabolic syndrome, by R. Retnakaran and colleagues. J Pediatr 148:176–182, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions including a large waist size, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, and high levels of fats in the blood) makes a person more likely to get cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels).

Doctors would like to know more about what happens in the body when a person gets metabolic syndrome. This would help them find the condition sooner and come up with better ways of treating people.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to look at everything that may show a person is more likely to get metabolic syndrome in the future.

Who was studied?

The study included 236 native Canadian children who were between 10 and 19 years old. All of the children had diabetes and were taking part in a large, long-term study.

How was the study done?

The children had a complete physical exam to measure their height, weight, and waist size. They also had blood drawn for lab tests.

What did the researchers find?

About 16% of children with metabolic syndrome tended to have abnormal test results. The tests showed they had inflammation throughout their body, they had high blood fats, and they were not able to handle glucose well.

What were the limitations of the study?

The study included only native Canadian children, and may not apply to other groups of people. The link between blood tests and metabolic syndrome does not mean there is a cause and effect. The way the researchers defined obesity (being seriously overweight) may not apply to native Canadian children.

What are the implications of the study?

Metabolic syndrome affects the body in many ways. Blood tests can help doctors notice some of these effects early on. More research is needed to learn how doctors can use this information to diagnose and treat people who are likely to get metabolic syndrome.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Is the Metabolic Syndrome Really a "Syndrome"?

Prevention of Heart Disease Should Begin in Childhood

ADA Guide to Raising a Child With Diabetes