Positive experiences can protect children’s heart health

Experiencing adversity in childhood can have a negative impact on children’s heart health, but positive experiences can act as a buffer, according to a new study.

The study was led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. International Journal of Cardiologyfound that adverse experiences have a negative impact on children’s cardiovascular health, but that positive experiences have beneficial effects and may prevent some of the damage caused by adversity.

Data for the study was collected from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), which followed 5,107 babies from birth to age 12.

They found that experiencing early life adversity, such as domestic violence or parental mental illness, between birth and age 11 may be associated with poorer cardiovascular health later in childhood. Conversely, positive experiences, such as having a supportive parenting environment and living in a safe living environment, were associated with better heart health.

Positive experiences may also help explain why some children thrive in the face of adversity and act to buffer against some of the potentially harmful effects on cardiovascular health.

Dr Jun Guo from MCRI said the findings highlight the importance of early life experiences on children’s cardiovascular health, particularly the protective role of positive experiences.

He said public health programs with a focus on prevention and evidence-based approaches are needed to support all children and families. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for about one-third of all deaths.

“Promoting positive childhood experiences, such as building healthy and safe communities, nurturing strong family ties and increasing engagement in school and the community, is critical to preventing future cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Guo said.

“This research shows that investing in the early years has the potential to create healthier futures for all Australian children.”