Toward a Roadmap for Best Practices in Pediatric Preventive Cardiology
Published: August 07, 2023
- Pediatric preventive cardiology (PPC) programs address key cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as lipid disorders and hypertension in youth, thereby reducing their risk of premature death from CVD. Unfortunately, demand exceeds supply: according to our survey of PPC programs across the U.S. and Canada, wait times are >3 months in 35% of PPC programs, and, at large centers, 53% of programs are overwhelmed with referrals.
- Although pediatric cardiology division directors value PPC programs, gaps exist between needed and available resources. Division directors deem social workers and psychologists as key PPC team members, but few existing PPC teams include them.
- Key next steps for a future document will include a comprehensive evidence review, updated guidelines and standards, and the development of a strategic action plan to advance PPC care.
Supporting Materials
Recommended Reading
- 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
- Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in High-Risk Pediatric Patients
- Telemedicine in Pediatric Cardiology
- 2022 Interim Guidance to Health Care Providers for Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Adults, Children, and Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19