Temporal Trends in Atherosclerotic Risk Factors in School Children ― Findings From 20-Year Surveillance ―

BACKGROUND: Although it has been discussed which measures against atherosclerotic diseases should be started in childhood, the current situation in Japan is unclear.Methods and Results:We conducted a health management survey of all 12-year-old children in a local town for 20 years. The body mass index tended to decrease over time. Although the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level did not change, the levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum triglycerides significantly increased over time. CONCLUSIONS: The serum triglyceride levels in school children increased significantly, probably through lifestyle changes, and the health management system should be reviewed.