Many people are aware of the dangers resulting from high cholesterol including heart disease, heart attack and stroke. What most don't realize is this condition can begin in childhood; it isn't a medical problem confined to adults. Having your child's cholesterol levels checked is important, especially if certain risk factors apply. Although healthy cholesterol levels between children and adults vary, treatment options are similar.
Significance
The build-up of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, may begin early in childhood, progressing gradually as a person ages. Atherosclerosis can eventually lead to heart disease, increasing your risk of heart attack. Approximately 17 million Americans currently have atherosclerosis; many of whom have children with risk factors for heart disease that should not be ignored, according to 2011 information from the American Heart Association.
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors increase the necessity of having your child's blood cholesterol level tested. These include being obese or a family history of obesity, a family history of high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity. If you or your child has diabetes, your child's risk of high cholesterol increases. A family history of high blood pressure also increases your child's risk.
Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol is asymptomatic; therefore, the only way to detect it is with a blood test known as a lipid profile. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cholesterol screening for all children and adolescents who have risk factors for heart disease, or whose risk factors are genetic. Screening cannot begin any earlier than age 2, but should take place no later than age 10. A lipid profile requires a 12-hour fast -- nothing to eat or drink -- prior to testing. This can be difficult for your child, so schedule the test as early in the morning as possible. The test takes only a few minutes.
Cholesterol Levels for Children
The total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels can indicate high cholesterol in your child. Children's Hospital Boston reports a total cholesterol level of less than 170 mg/dL is acceptable, 170 to 199 mg/dL is borderline and 200 mg/dL is high. Less than 110 mg/dL is an acceptable LDL cholesterol level, while 110 to 129 mg/dL is borderline. A level greater than 130 mg/dL is too high.
Diet and Exercise
Diet and exercise are the main components of any treatment plan, whether it be for a child or adult. Working with a nutritionist may help you devise the nest eating plan for your child, as his needs differ from yours. A diet high in saturated fats, unhealthy fats found primarily in animal products, increases your child's LDL levels. Reducing fat consumption to between 12 and 15 g per day is acceptable. Eliminate trans fats, known better as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil. Pre-packaged snack crackers, chips and baked goods are the major culprits. Your child should eat between 25 and 30 g of fiber each day. Healthy sources include oats, whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables. Your nutritionist can determine what a healthy caloric intake is for your child; adhere to this. In addition to dietary changes, an increase of physical activity is necessary. Your child should exercise between 30 and 60 minutes each day five days a week. It can be something he enjoys, such as basketball, skateboarding, jogging or swimming.
Medication
Cholesterol-lowering medications are only prescribed for children when dietary changes cannot reduce LDL cholesterol levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a doctor should not prescribe medication to children under the age of 8; however, the Children's Hospital Boston states that age 10 is preferable. Your pediatrician may decide differently. One of the oldest and safest medications given to children is cholestyramine, a bile acid resin. This drug has few side effects and appears effective. Statins are an option for children over the age of 10, and are generally reserved for those whose high cholesterol is inherited, or whose risk factor for heart disease stems from diabetes or kidney failure.
References
- KidsHealth.org; Cholesterol and Your Child; Mary L. Gavin, MD; March 2009
- American Academy of Pediatrics; New AAP Policy On Lipid Screening and Heart Health in Children; July 2008
- Children's Hospital Boston: Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- American Heart Association; Children and Cholesterol; January 2011
