Prevention in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

Evidence accumulated over the past four decades clearly indicates that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) processes begin early in life. Data generated from basic, clinical, and population-based studies conducted in the U. S. and globally underscore the importance of life course approaches to promoting cardiovascular health and preventing emergence of risk for CVD. This chapter presents the evidence supporting the importance of primordial and primary prevention beginning early in life and continuing through childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. Evidence-based guidelines applicable across clinical and community-based settings are highlighted with implications for nurses, nursing, and multidisciplinary teams. Emphasis is placed on multifaceted, multi-contextual efforts focused on promoting ideal cardiovascular health in childhood and adolescence. Directions for future research designed to advance the science needed to guide and inform optimal approaches for promoting cardiovascular health in children and adolescents from diverse populations are highlighted.