Examining the Relationship of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a High Risk Pediatric Population

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityEvidence supports the theory that the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and progresses slowly into adulthood, frequently leading to coronary heart disease (CHD), the major cause of death in the United States. Elevated serum cholesterol levels and an elevated body mass index have been identified as modifiable risk factors of CHD. During the last 10 years, research has focused on the study of cardiovascular risk factors in adults. Less attention has been given to the study of these same risk factors in children. Specifically, little is known about the effect of exercise on the relationship between serum cholesterol and body mass index measurements in children. This study will explore the specifics of these relationships. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing an exercise program for children with cardiac risk factors. The goal is to determine if there is a subsequent reduction of their serum cholesterol levels and body mass index, and to analyze the exercise effects on the relationship between serum cholesterol levels and body mass index