The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Invited Commentary

Commentary on "Pediatric Dyslipidemia: Recommendations for Clinical Management"

Authors: Duraisamy Balaguru, MD

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, the underlying mechanism of diseases of the arterial system, including the coronary, carotid, cerebral, renal, and peripheral arteries, is the leading cause of mortality in adults in the United States.1,2 Premature atherosclerosis becomes symptomatic before 55 years of age; however, pathologic features of atherosclerosis can occur in early childhood and young adulthood. The risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease in adulthood include cigarette smoking, lack of regular aerobic exercise, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, prenatal or genetic factors, and a clustering of these factors. Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor; therefore, primary prevention for adult cardiac disease should begin in childhood.

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