Children who are obese show early signs of atherosclerosis, one of the main risk factors for heart disease, research has shown.

Atherosclerosis is also known as hardening of the arteries. It occurs when plaques build up in the lining of the arteries. These plaques are made up of a number of substances, such as cholesterol and cellular waste products. They build up gradually over the years.

However, speaking recently at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2013, German scientist, Dr Norman Mangner said that his research had revealed that obese children were already in the early stages of atherosclerosis.

These children also showed signs of insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, as well as higher blood pressure.

These changes were still present in the children after two years.

"It is worrying that young obese children already have early signs of atherosclerosis, which puts them at increased risk of developing heart disease in later life. On top of that they also show early signs of diabetes. It is crucial that children are active and eat healthily to avoid becoming obese and sentencing themselves to a life of ill-health," Dr Mangner commented.

The research was highlighted by the ESC as part of World Heart Day 2013, which took place on September 29. According to ESC prevention spokesperson, Prof Grethe Tell, it is essential that a healthy lifestyle begins as early as possible.

"One in 10 school-aged children is overweight. Bad habits have an impact on young hearts and the effects carry on until adulthood. Regular exercise and a healthy diet need to be part of daily life from childhood and it's essential that children do not take up smoking," she commented.

She pointed to 2012 research which found that half of adults believe they should wait until they are at least 30 years old before they take any action to prevent heart disease and stroke.

"It is alarming to see that popular belief has it that you should wait until age 30 before looking after your heart health. The reality is that only a lifetime of avoiding common risk factors can be expected to prevent heart disease in the long run. ESC guidelines recommend that prevention should start during pregnancy and last throughout life,' she said.

Prof Tell noted that research now indicates that an unhealthy lifestyle even in very young children ‘can increase their risk of future heart disease'.

"Children who eat nutritious food, exercise and do not smoke are not just learning behaviours that will be important as adults, they are increasing their chances of avoiding heart disease," she added.

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