Most people understand the risk of high cholesterol in adults, but many don’t realize that children are often at risk as well. High cholesterol in children is becoming more and more common, and is due, in part, to the increase in childhood obesity nationwide. Contributing factors for high cholesterol in children include:
– Family history
– Diet and food intake
– Lack of exercise
– Obesity
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should have their cholesterol checked if they have a parent or grandparent who has had a stroke or heart attack, or who has been diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease before the age of 55. As with adults, a simple blood test can determine total blood cholesterol levels, including the total LDL and HDL levels.
LDL levels are what most people refer to as “bad cholesterol”, and HDL levels are what is commonly referred to as “good cholesterol. LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins and HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. In adults, a standard blood test that measures total cholesterol levels of less than 200 milligrams is considered normal. Anything between 200 – 240 milligrams is considered borderline, while anything over 240 increases the risk for heart disease. In children, these numbers are slightly lower. For children, total cholesterol of 170 or less is good. Anything between 170 – 199 is considered borderline, and anything over 200 is considered high cholesterol in children.
Proper diet is key in treating high cholesterol in children. If a child has been diagnosed with borderline cholesterol levels, or high cholesterol, parents should enforce a strict diet of healthy fruits and vegetables, introduce whole grain foods into the child’s diet, and serve grilled lean meats frequently. As with any healthy diet, sweets should be kept to a minimum, and low-fat dairy products should be served. Parents should eliminate cooking with butter and grease, and opt for healthier choices such as olive oil.
Keeping a child active is also important in managing their cholesterol. Limit their time in front of the television and playing video games, and encourage outdoor activities. Rollerblading, bike riding, playing sports, and even walking the family pet, are all healthy activities that can help keep your child healthy.
In most circumstances, diet and exercise are all that is needed to manage high cholesterol in children. Only in extreme cases will medication be necessary. Because high cholesterol can cause narrowed arteries, heart attack, stroke, and many other life-threatening health problems, it is important that your child understands the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
High cholesterol may be something that children carry with them into adulthood. By teaching children how to lower their cholesterol intake by making healthy food choices, and keeping active with daily exercise, you will empower them with the tools they need for the rest of their lives.
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SOURCES:
Personal knowledge & experience
http://www.aap.org/
http://adam.about.com/care/cholesterol/Children-can-have-high-cholesterol-too.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/high-cholesterol-children
