Cholesterol and children: Children can have high cholesterol too!
Most of us don’t worry about our child’s cholesterol level or even consider that they can have high cholesterol. Studies have shown that higher level of cholesterol is often found during childhood. It is major risk for coronary heart disease and plays a role in atherosclerosis i.e. building up of plaque in arteries. Many parents who suffer from heart problems have children who may require intervention.
Should I worry about my child’s cholesterol levels?
Your child should be screened for high levels of cholesterol if he comes under any of the three major risk factors:
Heredity:
Children with family history of heart disease or having parents with high cholesterol levels should have themselves checked for cholesterol. Pay special attention on your child if you or your spouse has cholesterol higher than 240 mg/dL or have grandparent with heart problems before the age of 55 years.
Diet:
Children whose regular dietary intake shows a bend towards food high in fats. Diet high in saturated fats, trans fats is usually common in commercial junk food.
Obesity:
Children who are overweight and struggling with weight issues should also be screened for high cholesterol levels.
How much is too high?
A simple blood test can reveal the cholesterol levels for your child. Cholesterol levels defined for children in the age group of 2-19 years is:
Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
Acceptable — less than 170
Borderline — 170–199
High — 200 or greater
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Cholesterol and Heart
Good and Bad Cholesterol
If your child’s cholesterol levels fall under the acceptable level, then also get your child screened for cholesterol on a regular basis. If your child has borderline and high levels on cholesterol then you doctor will do further tests to find out fasting cholesterol and lipoprotein analysis to find out the HDL and LDL levels. LDL or low density lipoproteins are the cholesterol carriers and high levels of LDL can lead to deposition of plaque in arteries. HDL or high density lipoproteins are responsible for carrying cholesterol back to the liver, where it is processed. High levels of LDL indicate a risk of heart attack, stroke and related problems. On the other hand high levels of LDL can reduce the risk and help in the normal functioning of the circulatory system.
What to do if my child has high cholesterol levels?
Eat healthy:
Encourage your children to eat healthier and to make healthy food choices. Encourage the intake of fruits and vegetables in your child’s dietary plan. Discourage soda, sugar drinks and ensure a good and healthy breakfast, which means no over eating later in the day.
Regular exercise:
Encourage your child to indulge in sports and other activities which help them get their daily dose of exercise. Biking, soccer, basket ball are good options. Also ask your child, what he/she is interested in. Go for walks with your children and also involve them in household chores which help them remain active through the day.
Cholesterol screening:
Get you and your children get screened for cholesterol regularly. And make sure to follow any medical advice provided by your health care provider.
Family effort:
A child won’t start out on his own to control his cholesterol levels. He would need your help in this regard. Be role model and involve the entire family to make healthier lifestyle changes. This will secure you and your child from health problems future also.
Cholesterol levels in children are rarely tracked and have recently gained attention by health care professionals. Weight problems and childhood obesity has shown a fair increase in the past few years which has resulted in high cholesterol levels in children. Problems related to cholesterol will not show easily in children. And relating cholesterol to your child’s health will also not be an obvious thing. So parents need to be aware of cholesterol levels of their children, especially if you are parent with high blood cholesterol.
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