Alarming trends in ideal cardiovascular health among children and adolescents in Beijing, China, 2004 to 2014.

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association's 2020 Strategic Goals have defined a new concept of cardiovascular health for adults and children, emphasizing the importance of primordial prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, detailed data on the trends of ideal cardiovascular health in Chinese children and adolescents are sparse.

METHODS

A total of 5596 children and adolescents (aged 6-18years) were selected from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2004 and 2014, respectively. Cardiovascular health behaviors (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, and diet) and factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose) were evaluated, and only participants with information on all 7 metrics (n=4309) were included for the cardiovascular score analysis.

RESULTS

During 2004-2014, ideal levels of almost all the seven metrics decreased, except for a marked increase in physical activity (boys: 23.0% vs 52.8%; girls: 16.2% vs 41.0%). Overall, only 19.5% of boys and 22.0% of girls had ideal cardiovascular health (score≥6) in 2004, which worsened in 2014 (boys: 9.8%; girls: 16.0%). The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health factors also declined, but the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health behaviors increased. Being a girl and having a younger age (aged 6-11years) were associated with higher prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health. Higher family income and parental education were associated with a higher prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Adverse trends in ideal cardiovascular health were observed among Chinese children and adolescents during 2004-2014. Effective intervention programs, in particular targeting children and adolescents, need to be developed to promote cardiovascular health in China.