| Children Can have High Cholesterol, Too! | |
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It is important to be aware that children can have high cholesterol. In fact, studies show strong evidence that atherosclerosis (the plaque that builds up in artery walls) actually begins during childhood. This is especially true when one or both parents have a history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and teens who have a parent with a cholesterol higher than 240 mg/dL or a parent or grandparent who suffered a stroke or heart attack at age 55 or younger should have their blood cholesterol checked.
If upon random check of the child's blood cholesterol (in other words, a non-fasting blood test at any time of the day), the number is higher than 200 mg/dL, then a fasting lipid profile should be performed.
Cholesterol levels in children
Childhood cholesterol levels were not well-established until fairly recently. Experts now believe that high cholesterol in children may be common. The following chart indicates when cholesterol levels are considered high in children:
| Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) | LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | |
| Acceptable | less than 170 | less than 110 |
| Borderline | 170-199 | 110-129 |
| High | 200 or greater | 130 or greater |
It requires more than one measurement to categorize the cholesterol level as borderline or high for a child. If a child has high cholesterol, then the doctor rules out other causes such as thyroid, liver, or kidney diseases. If no underlying cause is found, then, similar to adults, making lifestyle changes is key.
When children with high cholesterol make lifestyle changes, they reduce their risk of having high cholesterol and heart disease in adulthood.
Diet is key
Until a child is 2 years old they need extra fat and calories for growth, but after that children can follow a low saturated fat, low cholesterol, and high complex carbohydrate diet, just like an adult.
The following diet promotes cardiovascular health in children over 2 years old:
Watch your child's intake of trans-fatty acids. Food labels do not currently indicate the amount of trans-fatty acids, but fast food (because of the type of oil used), fried foods, store bought baked goods (cookies, crackers, donuts), and stick margarines all are high in trans-fatty acids. These foods also contribute to childhood obesity, a major risk factor for high cholesterol.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for children and helps improve cholesterol levels. Families should try to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. Walking, biking, running, and swimming are just some of the activities that families can do together!
Medication
Generally, lifestyle changes will be initiated for at least 6 to 12 months before medication is considered for children. Your child's blood cholesterol levels will be closely monitored over that time course. If the LDL cholesterol level remains high, there is a family history of heart disease, and your child is over 10 years old, medication may be necessary in addition to lifestyle changes.
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