Mission
Reducing or eliminating risks for early heart disease in children is the mission of the AFCH Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Clinic (PPCC). Early treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in childhood, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, tobacco use, and increased BMI, have been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events, such as stroke and myocardial infarction, in adulthood. Therefore, our research involves methods to promote early prevention, identification, and treatment of these risk factors to promote optimal cardiometabolic health in adulthood.
Focus
Dr. Peterson founded the PPCC in 2011 and directs the program. Preventive cardiology clinical care is provided to children with risk factors for early heart disease at AFCH and several outreach clinics. Clinicians also include Kristen Marten DO, Erin Marriott NP, and Ann Dodge NP. Specialized pediatric nutritionists and support from our clinic nurses are of vital importance to our clinical team.
Research is a major component of our efforts. Our research has focused on:
- Systematic measurement and promotion of universal lipid screening in children
- Early detection and treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic dyslipidemia and other lipid disorders
- Cascade screening of relatives to identify Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Impact of the COVID pandemic on cardiac risk factors in children
- Our team also participates in clinical trials for novel treatments of lipid disorders in children
Values
- Interdisciplinary approach with emphasis on family centered clinical care and ethical research practices.
- Collaboration with critical stakeholders including research scientists, statisticians, clinical and research nurses, technology professionals, as well as organizations that support our grant funding.
- Education for medical students, residents, fellows, and nurse practitioner students while also supporting these students in research endeavors.
Research Cores
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is an inherited disorder that leads to very high levels of LDL-C causing premature cardiovascular disease. HeFH is the most common life-threatening inherited metabolic condition, affecting 1 in 200-300 people. FH can increase an individual’s chance of early cardiovascular disease by 6- to 20-fold. Early identification of individuals with FH is critical in order to start lipid-lowering treatment and prevent early cardiovascular disease.
Our research focuses on novel screening methods to properly diagnose HeFH during the newborn period. Our team also participates in studies of treatments for pediatric HeFH, including the current state of pediatric HeFH treatment and application of novel lipid-lowering treatments to children.
For further information for families and providers on Familial Hypercholesterolemia: https://thefhfoundation.org

Universal Cholesterol Screening
In the past, only children with a strong family history of heart disease, diabetes, or other high-risk medical conditions were routinely screened for cholesterol problems. This resulted in sporadic lipid screening, with many children with severe dyslipidemia remaining undiagnosed. Studies have shown that about half of the children who have a serious cholesterol problem would be missed under the selective versus universal lipid screening strategy. Despite the recommendation for universal pediatric lipid screening from the NHLBI and the AAP, clinician compliance with the universal recommendation remains low nationwide. Our research has shown that lipid screening rates can dramatically improve with a multifaceted approach, including outreach, education, and electronic health record modifications efforts.
Order placement (percent of eligible patients with an order placed for a fasting lipid panel or a nonfasting lipid screen) over time. Green boxes indicate times of local educational initiatives, the yellow box indicates opening of the pediatric lipid clinic, the black box indicates release of NHLBI guidelines, and red boxes indicate times of EHR modifications. All changes in rates before and after events noted reached statistical significance (P < .001). Preventive Medicine 153 (2021), 106732[/caption]
Telehealth
Through a rapid development in our telehealth clinical model, we will continue to research this format of providing care to our patients.
Health Disparities and Access
Future research is planned that will assess disparities in pediatric cholesterol screening and care outcomes based on demographic factors.
Summary
Our research focuses on reduction and elimination risk factors in children for cardiovascular disease by early identification and treatment. Cardiovascular disease, particularly in the form of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) begins in childhood. Our research will continue to delve into optimal lipid screening strategies for children, ASCVD risk factors, early identification and treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia, FH cascade screening of other family members, disparities in outcomes based on demographics, as well as assessing the new telehealth model of clinical care.
Research News
Amy Peterson featured in news media for message on cholesterol screening for kids
Most adults know they should get their cholesterol checked, and many people know their “numbers.” But should children be screened for cholesterol? Amy Peterson, MD, MS, associate professor, Division of Cardiology, who founded and directs UW …
March 8, 2023Amy Peterson commences term on AAP Committee on Nutrition
Amy Peterson, MD, associate professor, Cardiology, will serve a two-year term on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Nutrition, which studies the nutritional needs of infants, children, and adolescents and develops guidelines for …
August 16, 20222022 Shapiro Summer Research Program faculty mentors, research projects announced
A cohort of first-year medical students were matched with fourteen pediatric faculty mentors for the 2022 Shapiro Summer Research Program. The Shapiro Summer Research Program provides opportunities for medical students to participate in eight- to …
July 18, 2022Four Pediatrics faculty receive UW Health Physician Excellence Awards
At an awards ceremony on November 30, four members of the Department of Pediatrics were presented with the 2021 UW Health Physician Excellence Awards. These prestigious peer-nominated awards recognize UW Health’s most skilled and dedicated …
December 1, 2021Four pediatrics faculty to receive Physician Excellence Awards, additional four nominated
Four members of the Department of Pediatrics have been selected for the 2021 UW Health Physician Excellence Awards. These prestigious peer-nominated awards recognize UW Health’s most skilled and dedicated physicians who demonstrate exceptional performance in …
November 8, 2021- More News

Associate Professor (CHS)
apeterson@pediatrics.wisc.edu
Phone
(608) 262-5024
Mailing Address
600 Highland Ave – H6/5
Madison, WI 53792-9988
United States