High cholesterol levels can begin early in life. A child who is overweight, exercises little, and does not eat healthy foods may have a higher chance of having high cholesterol. High cholesterol can also run in families.
The American Heart Association has issued the following guidelines on cholesterol in children and teens 2 to 19 years old:1
| Best |
Less than 170 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Borderline high |
170–199 |
| High |
200 or above |
| 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.
The American Heart Association suggests that children and adolescents have their cholesterol levels tested if they are overweight or have a family history of premature heart disease (heart disease in a parent or grandparent younger than 55 years of age).
Treatment for high cholesterol in children and adolescents may include dietary and lifestyle changes or statins.2
If you have concerns about your child's cholesterol, talk with your doctor.
References
Citations
American Heart Association (2006). Cholesterol and atherosclerosis in children: AHA scientific position. Available online: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4499.
McCrindle BW, et al. (2007). Drug therapy of high-risk lipid abnormalities in children and adolescents. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, and Obesity in Youth Committee, Council of Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, with the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing. Circulation, 115(14): 1948–1967.
Credits
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Neil J. Stone, MD, FACC, FACP - Internal Medicine, Cardiology |
| Last Updated | July 20, 2006 |
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