Should my child be screened for cholesterol?
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind about cholesterol screening for children.
Today's guest blogger is Sam Gidding, MD, Chief, Division of Cardiology, Nemours Cardiac Center at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.
It's important to know your child's cholesterol levels, especially if there's a family history of high cholesterol or premature heart disease. If a parent has very high cholesterol, there is a chance this trait could be inherited. Most kids should have their cholesterol checked between 9 and 11 years of age. However, children with any of these risk factors should be screened earlier for high cholesterol:
A parent or other close relative with a total cholesterol higher than 240 mg/dL
A family history of heart disease prior to age 55 in men and age 65 in women
Underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, juvenile arthritis, diabetes or obesity
Kids who are physically active, eat healthy foods, don't have a relevant family history, and are at a healthy weight have a lower risk for high cholesterol. Your pediatrician will help decide when your child should be screened.
While cardiovascular disease is rare in kids, risk factors present in childhood can increase the chance that a child will develop heart disease as an adult. Guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend ways for kids to stay heart healthy. The guidelines, written by an expert panel of which I was a member, also encourage regular physical activity and protection from tobacco smoke.
Blood pressure should be measured beginning at 3 years of age.
If there is family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, have cholesterol test at age 2.
If no family history, screen for cholesterol between the ages of 9 and 11.
Children should have unlimited active play time (all ages). Encourage at least one hour of exercise a day.
Serve a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains; after age 2, choose nonfat or low fat dairy products.
Limit foods and beverages with added sugar.
Read nutrition facts labels on packaged foods to limit saturated and trans fat. Most fat intake should come from unsaturated fats (fish, nuts, and vegetable oils).
Make sure children are always in a smoke-free environment.
Intervene to prevent obesity for children with BMI in 85-95th percentile; seek treatment for children/teens with BMI in 95th percentile.
Here is additional information:
KidsHealth: Cholesterol and your child
Healthychildren.org: Cholesterol levels in children and adolescents
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