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Controlling cholesterol begins in childhood.

Compelling evidence finds atherosclerosis (fatty deposits of plaque in artery walls) begins in childhood and progresses slowly into adulthood. Then the condition often leads to coronary heart disease (CHD), the single largest cause of death in theUnited States. Other evidence says:

Elevated cholesterol levels early in life may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in adults.

Eating patterns and genetics affect blood cholesterol levels and CHD risk.

Lowering levels in children and adolescents may be beneficial.

Many studies show high blood cholesterol levels play a role in developing coronary heart disease (CHD) in adults. CHD is the largest cause of death in the United States. Also, research has shown fatty buildups in arteries begin in childhood and are more likely with higher blood cholesterol levels.

About 98 million American adults (more than 50 percent) have high or borderline-high cholesterol. Nearly 40 percent of adults have levels that put them at high risk of illness and death from heart attack, stroke and related disorders. By choosing foods that are lower in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol, adults can lower their cholesterol to safer levels. Losing weight and increasing physical activity also help reduce the risk of CHD.

Who should be tested?

Most children don't need to have their blood cholesterol checked. Those who should be tested at age 2 or older include children with:

At least one parent with high cholesterol (240 mg/dL or greater); or

A family history of early heart disease (a male parent or grandparent with CHD before age 55 or a female parent or grandparent with CHD before age 65).

Diabetes

Obesity

In some cases, a doctor may recommend screening a child's cholesterol level even without these conditions, especially if the child has other risk factors (such as type 1 diabetes).

Cholesterol levels for children are not evaluated by the same criteria as those for adults. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, the following cholesterol levels apply for children between 2 to 19 years old.

  

 

Desirable

Borderline

Associated with Higher Risk

Total Cholesterol

less than 170

170-199

200 or more

LDL Cholesterol

less than 110

110-129

130 or more

 

If you suspect your child may be at higher risk, see your child's pediatrician to discuss concerns and arrange for an evaluation. Your child's qualified medical provider is your best source for recommendations on how to guide your child toward a heart-healthy adult life.

But don't restrict cholesterol in babies and toddlers

Very young children (from infants old enough to eat solids up to about age 4) who are physically normal and healthy should not have their diet influenced by adult concerns about foods containing fats and cholesterol. Fats and cholesterol are important for normal growth and development in young children. Depriving children of adequate amounts of these substances can hurt them.

Babies too young to eat solids should be breastfed or (as a second choice, if breastfeeding is not possible) given approved infant formulas. Once they are old enough to eat solids, young children should be given healthy foods such as whole milk that provide fats as nutrients. But children shouldn't be eating french fries every day.

A young child's diet should also take into account any food allergies or intolerance that the child may have, as well as any medical disorders that may affect diet. See your pediatrician and ask questions if you have any concerns about the appropriate diet for your child.

Older  children  and  cholesterol

Older children from about 4 or 5 should be transitioned to heart-healthy foods such as nonfat milk. A healthy diet plus a healthy level of physical activity is most likely to give them a good start in life and minimize the risk of CHD.

For  More   Information:  Please  consult  your   physician  on  your  next  visit.