Atherosclerosis lifestyle risk factors in children with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess lifestyle risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in children with congenital heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveys were distributed to 329 unselected cardiac children. RESULTS: Many patients were taking an unhealthy diet and did not eat fruit (68%), vegetables (60%) or low-fat milk products (60%) every day, whereas 41% drank sweetened beverages and 89% ate foods high in fats at least three times a week. Only 15% spent half an hour daily involved in after-school physical activity, whereas 7.6% were overweight, 4.3% had arterial hypertension, 50% were passive smokers and 12% of teenagers were active smokers. CONCLUSION: Most cardiac children have modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. This highlights the importance of enhancing actions to promote a healthy lifestyle addressed to that population.