Transition to Adulthood: Critical Phase for Addressing Heart Health Risks, Study Suggests
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Many teenagers enter adulthood with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a key time to address these risk factors and reduce the risk of developing future cardiovascular disease, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
According to the scientific statement, “Cardiovascular Health in the Transition from Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood,” emerging adulthood is the period between age 18 and the mid- to late-twenties, when the brain and decision-making ability are still maturing to adult levels. Greater independence and many changes in life circumstances are occurring simultaneously during this time.
The scientific statement reviews many of the individual and social challenges to protecting heart health in emerging adults, and it identifies types of interventions that may help. In childhood and adolescence, there are typically standard occasions to see health care professionals, such as scheduled vaccinations and school or sports check-ups. These visits provide an opportunity to measure weight and blood pressure and check cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They can also open the door to a discussion about maintaining heart health and addressing any concerns before a risk factor is apparent.
American Heart Association’s key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, include several health behaviors (such as eating a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity) that may worsen in emerging adulthood. This period of life usually brings greater responsibilities along with a loss of structures that were in place during adolescence. Becoming more sedentary is common, as is gaining weight.
The authors concluded by outlining strategies for optimizing cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention, underscoring the importance of primordial prevention, early intervention, and tailored approaches to address the unique needs of emerging adults. Addressing these multifaceted factors is crucial for mitigating the burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors among emerging adults and promoting long‐term cardiovascular well‐being.
Ref: Scott J, Agarwala A et al. Cardiovascular Health in the Transition From Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Journal of American Heart Association. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.124.039239
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