Cardiovascular risk factors in children: a Bloomsday research report.

Cardiovascular risk factors identified in major studies of children include a family history of heart disease, smoking, blood pressure, dietary factors, exercise or fitness level, and stress. The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify differences in children's physical measurements with regard to six cardiovascular risk factors. A descriptive design using three questionnaires and physical measurements was used. The questionnaires included the Bloomsday Cardiovascular Fitness Questionnaire, the Coronary Risk Profile, and the Diet Habit Survey. Physical measurements included blood pressure readings, weight, total serum cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein levels. A convenience sample of 78, predominantly Caucasian children between the ages of 7 and 18 years (M = 13.13, SD = 2.79) participated. Results indicated that differences in physical measurements were significantly for children with respect to the cardiovascular risk factors, including dietary factors, blood pressure, exercise, and stress. Nursing implications for thorough assessment and intervention through education are discussed.