Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the adult population in our society. Cardiac diseases due to diphtheria, rubella, and rheumatic fever are currently extremely rare in comparison with the incidence in previous generations.1 This is, to a great extent, due to successful practice of preventive medicine in the offices of pediatricians. Although the clinical manifestations of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease seem to be in the distant future for children, there is good evidence that the pathological process begins in childhood.1-6 Furthermore, there is no question that behavioral aspects of a coronary disease–prone life-style have their roots in childhood.5,7 Efforts directed at the prevention of adult atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are being increasingly incorporated into the practice of pediatrics.
Pediatric preventive cardiology clinics have developed in the recent past for several reasons. The incorporation of preventive cardiology efforts in pediatric practice leads to the identification of