Adults are not the only people affected by high cholesterol.
Children also might have high levels of cholesterol, which can
result in health concerns when the child gets older. Too much
cholesterol leads to a build-up of a material, called plaque, on
the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other
organs. Plaque can narrow the arteries and block the blood flow to
the heart, causing heart problems. Cholesterol also is related to
other health problems including stroke.
What causes high cholesterol in
children?
Cholesterol levels in children are linked to
three factors: heredity, diet, and obesity. In most cases, kids
with high cholesterol have a parent who also has elevated
cholesterol.
How is high cholesterol in children
diagnosed?
Health care professionals can check cholesterol
in school-age children with a simple blood test. Conducting such a
test is especially important if there is a strong family history of
heart disease or if a parent of the child has high cholesterol. The
blood test results will reveal whether a child's cholesterol
is too high. In children, cholesterol levels are borderline if they
are from 170 to 199mg/dl Cholesterol levels are considered high if
they exceed 200mg/dl.
How is high cholesterol in children treated?
The
best way to treat cholesterol in children is with a diet and
exercise program that involves the entire family. If changes in
diet and exercise do not have the desired effect, medicine might be
considered for children older than 10. Some drugs used to treat
cholesterol in children include cholestyramine, colestipol, and
colesevelam. Recent studies in children with very high cholesterol
have supported the safe use of drugs in the statin class. A
child's cholesterol levels should be re-tested after three
months of dietary changes and/or medicines.
Help lower your child's cholesterol
You can
help lower your child's cholesterol levels by encouraging
your child to do the following:
- Eat foods low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. The
amount of fat a child consumes should be 30 percent or less of
daily total calories (45 to 65 grams of fat or less per day). This
suggestion does NOT apply to children under the age of 2.
- Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise - such as biking,
running, walking, and swimming - can help raise HDL levels
and lower your family's risk for cardiovascular disease.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Substitute unsaturated fat for saturated fat. Saturated fat is
usually solid at room temperature and comes from animal fats,
coconut, and palm oils. Unsaturated fat is liquid at room
temperature and comes from plants. Olive oil, canola oil, and
peanut oil are examples of unsaturated fat.
- Select a variety of foods so your child can get all the
nutrients he or she needs.
What are some examples of good foods?
- For breakfast: Fruit, cereal, oatmeal, and yogurt are among the
good choices for breakfast foods. Use skim or low-fat milk rather
than whole or 2 percent milk. For lunch and dinner: Bake or grill
foods instead of frying them. Use whole-grain breads and rolls to
make a healthier sandwich. Also, give your child whole-grain
crackers with soups, chili, and stew. Prepare pasta, beans, rice,
fish, skinless poultry, or other dishes. Always serve fresh fruit
(with the skin) with meals.
- For snacks: Fruits, vegetables, breads, and cereals make great
snacks for children. Children should avoid soda and fruit
drinks.