20% of U.S kids have high cholesterol
A new report mentions that about 20 percent of American children cholesterol levels that needs attention; either they have high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) or low levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL), both of which can have long-term implications on heart health noticeable during adulthood.
The report found that 7.4 percent of children ages 6 to 19 have high levels of total cholesterol (levels that are above 200 milligrams per deciliter).
The cholesterol levels are high in children who are obese. 11.6 percent of obese kids had high total cholesterol levels, compared with 6.3 percent of children whose body weight were within the normal range.
The researchers also found that girls were more likely to have high cholesterol levels than boys: nearly 9 percent of girls had high total cholesterol levels, compared to about 6 percent of boys.
The HDL cholesterol level was low (below 40 mg/dL) in about 33 percent of obese kids compared with 6.8 percent of children who had normal weight.
The researchers said that the studies suggest that risk factors for heart disease, including abnormal cholesterol levels, ‘track from childhood into adulthood,’ further adding that ‘continued monitoring of abnormal cholesterol levels among children and adolescents may inform public health interventions to promote long-term cardiovascular health and prevent cardiovascular disease in adulthood.’
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all children ages 9 to 11 have their cholesterol levels checked.
AAP says, if a screening test shows a high cholesterol, the doctor will repeat the test in the child after 2 weeks to confirm the result; and if cholesterol is still high, doctors can investigate if it is due to an underlying condition, such as obesity or an underactive thyroid.
According to Mayo Clinic, kids having high cholesterol levels are usually treated with lifestyle changes, including weight loss, increased exercise and a healthy diet. Older children whose cholesterol levels doesn’t reduce after taking these steps, or children who have other medical conditions along with high cholesterol, may be encouraged to take medication, says the Mayo Clinic.
