We usually think of high blood pressure, or hypertension, as a problem that affects adults.
But, in fact, this condition can be present at any age, even in infancy.
About five of every hundred children have higher than normal blood pressure. And a recent government report indicated that there is good evidence that children with cholesterol problems become adults with high cholesterol.
So, it's important to monitor the cholesterol and blood pressure of children who may have an increased risk of heart disease.
Selected Podcast
Is Your Child At Risk For Heart Disease?
Featuring:
Sarah de Ferranti, MD MPH, is Assistant Professor of Pediatric Cardiology at Harvard Medical School and The
Director, Preventive Cardiology at Boston Children's Hospital.
Sarah de Ferranti trained as a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital Boston, joining the staff in 2003 and becoming the Director of the Preventive Cardiology Program in 2005, where she sees patients for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol issues. Her research interests include the effect of diet, supplements and pharmacotherapy on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight children with hypertension, childhood obesity, the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Most recent projects include assessing and improving lipid screening and initial treatment in the primary care setting
Dr. Sarah DeFerranti, MD
Sarah de Ferranti, MD MPH, is Assistant Professor of Pediatric Cardiology at Harvard Medical School and TheDirector, Preventive Cardiology at Boston Children's Hospital.
Sarah de Ferranti trained as a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital Boston, joining the staff in 2003 and becoming the Director of the Preventive Cardiology Program in 2005, where she sees patients for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol issues. Her research interests include the effect of diet, supplements and pharmacotherapy on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight children with hypertension, childhood obesity, the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Most recent projects include assessing and improving lipid screening and initial treatment in the primary care setting