Links Between Indicators of Overweight and Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between overweight and obesity indicators and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD). It highlights the importance of accurate obesity assessment methods, such as waist circumference and body fat percentage, in identifying at-risk patients.

Background

As survival rates improve for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), there is a growing concern regarding the increased prevalence of obesity in this population. Overweight and obesity can exacerbate cardiovascular risk profiles and lead to adverse health outcomes. Accurate screening and intervention strategies are crucial for promoting cardiovascular health in these young patients.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the article.

Key Findings

• Children and adolescents with CHD are at an increased risk of overweight and obesity.
• Indicators such as waist circumference and body fat percentage are effective in assessing obesity in this population.
• Overweight and obese patients with CHD exhibit a worse cardiometabolic risk profile compared to their normal-weight peers.
• Screening for childhood obesity is essential for implementing lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
• Accurate obesity assessment can guide healthcare providers in identifying patients at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should utilize waist circumference and body fat percentage as key indicators for assessing obesity in children and adolescents with CHD. Early identification of at-risk patients can facilitate timely lifestyle interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for accurate obesity assessment in pediatric patients with CHD to better understand their cardiometabolic risk profiles and implement effective preventive strategies.

Related Resources & Content

1. Pediatric Cardiology, Child Opportunity Index and Prevalence of Obesity and Hypertension in Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease, 2026 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00246-026-04272-6
2. Pediatric Cardiology, Screening Approaches and Features of Hemoglobin A1c in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Heart Disease, 2025 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00246-025-04092-0
3. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Impact of Parental Hypertension, Diabetes, and Dyslipidemia on Cardiac Health in Offspring: Findings from a 24-Year Longitudinal Study, 2025 -- https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article/33/3/449/8339954
4. Pediatric Cardiology, Influence of Gender and Body Weight on Echocardiographic Measurements in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations, 2022 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00246-022-02876-2
5. Pediatric Cardiology — Child Opportunity Index and Prevalence of Obesity and Hypertension in Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease
6. Pediatric Cardiology — Screening Approaches and Features of Hemoglobin A1c in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Heart Disease
7. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — Impact of Parental Hypertension, Diabetes, and Dyslipidemia on Cardiac Health in Offspring: Findings from a 24-Year Longitudinal Study
8. Pediatric Cardiology — Influence of Gender and Body Weight on Echocardiographic Measurements in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations
9. Evaluation and Treatment for Child Obesity | Obesity | CDC
10. Child Opportunity Index and Prevalence of Obesity and Hypertension in Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease | Pediatric Cardiology | Springer Nature Link
11. Beyond Cardiometabolic: Health Disorders Risk in Metabolically Healthy Obese Children - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 19,119 Children - PubMed