0145
CHOLESTEROL AND OTHER RISKS FACTORS OF
ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A CHALLENGE FOR PEDIATRICIANS Lubetkin A.M., Granero M.H, Granero M Agnelli H, Agnelli
de M.I. FUMCER, R¨ªo Cuarto,C¨®rdoba, Argentina ABSTRACT 1. This
research summarises some of the tasks carried out by our group through more
than 20 years of studies on cholesterol (chol.) in children and adolescents
in the city of R¨ªo Cuarto and two towns within its area of influence. 2. We submit the levels ascertained
in 2778 children in R¨ªo Cuarto, 1809 in General Deheza and 636 in Sampacho,
all from 5 to 17 years of age.Finally, a study on adolescents was performed
in the Universidad Nacional de R¨ªo Cuarto because, as Luepker holds, a
child´s factors of risk increase significantly in adolescence. 3. The screening method was
selected for the dosages of cholesterol .Those youngsters who in the initial inquest showed 200 or more
mg/dl. were subjected to a lipide profile with ascertainment of the
following parameters: Total chol., HDL chol., LDL chol., Triglicerids and
ApoB. Socioeconomic levels of the investigated universum were taken under
account, thus achieving that the sample be demostrative of the incidence
better nourishment has on the better-off groups as compared to lower values
in those of a lesser socioeconomic level. 4. Today it is overwhelmingly accepted that dislipoproteinemia
is the main risk in cardiac coronary disease. But there are others of equal
gravitation. 5. Students of
university level between 17 and 25 years old were examined, because we
thought that by extending this research to those ages we are contributing
to improve prevention in the adolescence. 6. The results obtained were very similar to those achieved in
the group from 5 to 17 years old.Trough this research we strive to launch a
campaign of national
propagation to awaken a consciousness concerning prevention and
healthy nutrition habits among those groups. 7. Obesity increases lipides and insulin levels, and blood
pressure. 8. In adolescents and adults, and even children after
10, adiposity is associated to fatty streaks, raised arterial lesions and
calcifications in the aorta and coronary arteries. 9. The link between an increase in body fat, and that of both
systolic tension and cholesterol and LDL chol. is now undisputed. 10. The connection between obesity
and increased cholesterol on one side and abnormalities in the lipoproteins
on the other is not always lineal, 11.
Our fundamental aim in public health is the prevention of an excessive
increase of weight during childhood and adolescence, and that will be
attained in the three most important levels:a)School education.b) Promotion
of physical activities in schools and gymnasiums.c)Changes at a community
level to promote a wholesome style of life right from childhood.