The effects of short-stature-for-age on cardiovascular and metabolic health in children: a systematic review.

Short stature has been associated with coronary heart disease in adults (Paajanen et al, 2010), but similar effects have not been established in children. We aim to identify cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators that are associated with height-for-age in children. These consist of any measures of cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome such as, but not limited to: abdominal obesity; atherogenic dyslipidaemia; hypertension; hyperglycaemia; insulin resistance; body-mass-index, height-adjusted fat mass, pulse rate, insulin-resistance, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and structural and electrical cardiac dysfunction.