The overal incidence of cardiovascular disease in childhood is unknown. From the point of view of Child General Practitioners, it is important to detect and care for children with critical heart defects, as well as the prevention of sudden cardiovascular death in relation to sports and accelerated atherogenesis.
From the Pediatric angle, atherosclerosis has several key properties. It's risk characteristics are well defined in children and with correct intervention they are modifiable. 1986 saw the opening of a center at the facultly hospital in Pilsen specifically for children and adolescents with higher cardiovascular risk, where there is collaboration between cardiologist and pediatricians.
Since 1992, as part of the JEP work group underlined by government order ČR č.216/1992 Sb.., and Clinical Guidelines set out by the ČNR č.550/1991 Sb, the primary intervention of atherosclerosis is being carried out by Pediatric General Practitioners in the Czech Republic with the aim of addressing the following risk factors for ischemic heart disease: positive cardiovascular family history, obesity, arterial hypertension and smoking.