High cholesterol in kids a concern
Q :I recently read that children should be screened for high cholesterol. Is this necessary?
A :“High cholesterol isn’t just a problem that adults have,” says Stephanie Wong, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. “In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently expanded their recommendations regarding children’s cholesterol screenings from 17 to 21 years old to also include screenings for children 9 to 11. Checking your child’s cholesterol level is a simple procedure that requires only a non-fasting lipid panel.”
Dr. Wong explained that “high cholesterol in children could signify other risk factors later in life, such as obesity, coronary artery disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.”
In addition to children 9 to 11, the American Academy of Pediatrics says children in the following groups who are between the ages of 2 and 10 should also undergo cholesterol screenings: • Children whose parents or grandparents have had heart attacks, blocked arteries or bloodvessel affecting diseases such as strokes younger than 65 in women and younger than 55 in men. • Children whose parents or grandparents have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. • Children who are clinically obese or have health characteristics in their family background associated with heart disease.
“Early detection of high cholesterol may help us direct parents in guiding a child’s healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Wong, who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center. “Knowing your child’s cholesterol level can help you maintain their long-term health with the right diet and exercise.”