Table 8.

Top Takeaways: Early Cardiovascular Disease. Shown are the top takeaways from the OMA regarding early cardiovascular disease and obesity in children.

1.	Elevated BMI is a risk factor for early cardiovascular disease (CVD), and thickening of the carotid intima is associated with increased BMI.
2.	Elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (>140/90 mm Hg) is associated with early CVD, and increased severity of obesity is correlated with increased CV risk.
3.	Treatment for early CVD involves intensive lifestyle modifications with a focus on exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness.
4.	No medication studies have been conducted in children, although some medications have been proven effective in adults.
5.	Bariatric surgery improves metabolic complications and CV structural and functional changes in adolescents, but there are currently no reports on long-term effects on CV health.