Ethnic Disparities in Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents

The pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis originates as early as childhood, and disparities in rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among children have been previously documented. This review of recently published studies on race/ethnicity-specific burden of risk factors among US children/adolescents highlights the persistent racial/ethnic variations in prevalence of CVD risk factors, with sizeable burdens of CVD risk among all race/ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Black children had the highest rates of high blood pressure and obesity, while Mexican American children had higher diabetes rates and lowest rates of ideal fasting glucose levels. Non-Hispanic White children had lower rates of high blood pressure and higher rates of physical activity, but they experienced higher burdens of adverse lipid levels and cigarette smoking than others. Comprehensive public health policies addressing CVD risk in childhood are needed to lower the future burden of CVD.