The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checking cholesterol levels in children from the age of two if there is a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, and also when the family history is unknown or the child has other risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.
"Screening cholesterol is a good idea, and relatively low doses of cholesterol-lowering statins can keep levels in the normal range," says Dr Stephen Daniels.
Cholesterol is checked with a fasting morning blood sample. If the result is normal, the test should be repeated every 3 to 5 years.
For children over 8 with high LDL cholesterol, the doctor may prescribe a statin after a year of trying weight loss without success. Children with high cholesterol need lifestyle changes: regular exercise, weight loss and a diet planned with a dietitian. For children over one who are overweight, the Academy recommends low-fat dairy products, such as 2% milk.
"We're not overdoing statins in children," says Dr Steven Shelov. "Side effects are rare, and the benefits are worth the risk, especially with rising obesity and unsafe cholesterol levels in teenagers." He admits that information on the benefits and risks of statins in children is still limited, so treatment guidelines and monitoring for side effects are needed, and the drugs may be stopped later if children stick to diet and exercise. The guidance was published in Pediatrics in July 2008.
Like
Love
Angry
Dislike
