Longitudinal studies on the development of health and fitness and the interaction with physical activity of teenagers.

Coronary heart disease is recognized as a serious public health problem in Western industrialized countries. Its origin is early in life, and thus preventive pediatric strategies should be developed. This paper reviews longitudinal studies of risk indicators for coronary heart disease during the adolescent period from 12 to 18 years of age. Developmental aspects of maximal aerobic power during the teenage period is reviewed, as well as the relationship of coronary heart disease and maximal aerobic power, to obesity, high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia to habitual physical activity.