Preventative interventions that target cardiovascular dysfunction in children and young people: a systematic review of their effectiveness and an investigation of sexual dimorphism

Edwards, S., Foster, M., Ahmed, S. F. and Lucas-Herald, A. K. (2022) Preventative interventions that target cardiovascular dysfunction in children and young people: a systematic review of their effectiveness and an investigation of sexual dimorphism. Journal of Human Hypertension, 37, pp. 726-734. (doi: 10.1038/s41371-022-00780-z) (PMID:36463360) (PMCID:PMC10403341) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Given that cardiovascular diseases remain a primary cause of mortality and morbidity, there is a need to consider preventative strategies to improve vascular function from early in life. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate which interventions may improve endothelial function, intima media thickness and arterial stiffness in children and young people and to assess whether these interventions differ in boys and girls. A systematic literature search of Science Direct, Pubmed, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library by two independent reviewers was performed to source articles. Inclusion criteria were any studies including any child ≤18 years of age receiving an intervention, which measured vascular function other than blood pressure. Exclusion criteria were studies assessing children with chronic medical conditions. A total of 72 studies were identified, which met the inclusion criteria. A measurable change in outcome was more likely to be reported in studies investigating endothelial function (p = 0.03). Interventions which improved vascular function included physical activity and dietary programmes. Under 10% of studies considered sex differences. In conclusion, school-based physical activity interventions are most likely to result in improvements in vascular function. Endothelial function may be the first variable of vascular function to change secondary to an intervention. Standardisation of reporting of differences between the sexes is essential to be able to ensure interventions are equally effective for boys and girls.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: ALH is funded by an NES/CSO Clinical Lectureship.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ahmed, Professor Syed Faisal and Lucas-Herald, Dr Angela
• Authors: Edwards, S., Foster, M., Ahmed, S. F., and Lucas-Herald, A. K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Research Group: Developmental Endocrinology Research Group
• Journal Name: Journal of Human Hypertension
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• ISSN: 0950-9240
• ISSN (Online): 1476-5527
• Published Online: 03 December 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Human Hypertension 37: 726-734
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License