Cholesterol in Children and the Importance of Early Screening

When you think of high cholesterol, you may think it's a concern for adults. But did you know that high cholesterol can begin in childhood? In fact, the early stages of heart disease can begin when kids are young and sometimes without any warning signs. Cases of high cholesterol levels are increasing among young people, and it's important that parents are aware of the risks so that they can keep their children healthy. In this blog, we share information about what cholesterol is, the difference between "good" and "bad" cholesterol, the importance of early screening, and what you can do to help your kids maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 

What is Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a thick, wax-like substance that the human body needs to function. The liver makes cholesterol naturally and sends it into the bloodstream to nourish cells and organs and produce hormones. Extra cholesterol comes from certain foods, mostly animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. While having some cholesterol is essential and our bodies can cleanse the extra supply we get from certain foods, too much cholesterol and the wrong kind can be harmful to our health. Consuming high levels can cause a buildup in the arteries and block blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

LDL Cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as "good" cholesterol. LDL can be dangerous as it builds up in the arteries, while HDL helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Too much LDL and too little HDL can increase the risk of heart disease. Even if your child has healthy levels of HDL, an unhealthy diet, inadequate exercise, and other factors can still contribute to high levels of LDL.

Early Screening for Cholesterol Levels in Children

While cholesterol is commonly considered an adult issue, children are still at risk. Cholesterol cannot always be controlled through diet, exercise, and healthy habits for children who have an inherited disorder known as familial hypercholesterolemia, or FH. Although FH is rare, it can cause heart problems early in life. That is why early screening in children is crucial. Identifying and treating FH early can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease by 80%. If you know FH is in your family's history, make sure to inform your child's pediatrician, who can recommend how early your child should be screened. 

At Children’s Wellness Center, we obtain cholesterol levels at the 5-year, 11-year, and 16-year well checks. However, if there's a family history of high cholesterol or your child has conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, screening will be done earlier and more frequently. Screening helps your child's pediatrician identify problems and provide recommendations that, if implemented during childhood, could prevent heart issues in adulthood. 

How to Lower Children's Cholesterol

If your child has high cholesterol, lifestyle changes can bring the levels down and lower health risks. These include a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, regular physical activity (60 minutes per day), healthy weight management, and sufficient sleep. If your child has FH, medication may be used, but you should first discuss this with your pediatrician or Pediatric Cardiologist. 

If you have any questions about cholesterol testing and your child’s heart health, or concerns about your family's history, call our office.