Cholesterol In Kids
A child who is overweight, does not exercise much, and does not eat healthy foods may have a higher chance of having high cholesterol. High cholesterol can also run in families.
Cholesterol tests for children and teens
It is suggest that children and teens have their cholesterol levels checked if they have a family history of early coronary artery disease or have other risk factors.
Child’s risk of high cholesterol, based on a physical exam and family history, is checked at ages 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years, and then every year through age 21. And also a cholesterol screening test is done between the ages of 18 and 21.
Cholesterol levels for children and teens
One of the Best Heart Association has issued the following guidelines on cholesterol in children and teens 2 to 19 years old:
|
Total cholesterol |
|
|
Best |
Less than 170 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) |
|
Borderline high |
170-199 |
|
High |
200 or above |
|
LDL (bad) cholesterol |
|
|
Best |
Less than 110 mg/dL |
|
Borderline high |
110-129 |
|
High |
130 or above |
The best HDL (good) cholesterol levels in children and teens 2 to 19 years old are 35 mg/dL and above. For the same age group, triglyceride levels are best below 150 mg/dL.
Treatment for high cholesterol
Treatment for high cholesterol in children and adolescents may include dietary and lifestyle changes or statins.
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