Cholesterol Level in Children

The children should be tested for high cholesterol as the cases of high cholesterol levels in children and kids are increasing.


Cholesterol in Children

In recent years obesity in children is increasing dramatically, consequently a significant number of children have elevated cholesterol levels. In most cases this remains undetected. Some experts are of the view that high childhood cholesterol is a major underreported public health problem. It is believed that the problems associated by high cholesterol can start in childhood.

Screening Children for High Cholesterol

The question arises, should the children be screened for cholesterol levels routinely? The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines recommends cholesterol screening for children

1. whose parents or grandparents developed heart disease or had high cholesterol levels at age 55 or younger. About 90% of children with high cholesterol level have a parent who also has high cholesterol.

2. have severe obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, elevated blood pressure, renal disease and low thyroid activity.

Cholesterol Levels in Children

According to the American Heart Association, the ranges of total cholesterol for children 2 years to 19 years old are:

CategoryTotal cholesterol
(mg/dL)
LDLCholesterol
(mg/dL)
Significance
AcceptableLess than 170Less than 110Child should be screened every 5 years.
Borderline170-199110 - 129Doctor may test fasting cholesterol.
High200 or greater130 or greaterDoctor may test HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.

It is not understood what high cholesterol levels indicate for a child. The best thing the parents can do for their children is that they teach them about good eating habits and the importance of regular physical activity.

Many children eat diets that are moderate to high in fat content. Many mothers (specially Indian) give their kids a lot of saturated fats (ghee, butter) for their growth and development. The fat more than the recommended value is harmful. The recommendation for total dietary fat intake is 30 percent of calories or less, out of which only 10 percent should come from saturated fats.


Also Read The Following Cholesterol Topics


Cholesterol free Foods
Percentage of calories in meat & fish
Calories in fruits, vegetables & breads

Cholesterol content in

Low Cholesterol Foods
Cholesterol in alcohol
Cholesterol in bagel, breads, biscuits
Cholesterol in cakes
Cholesterol in cereals
Cheese cholesterol
Cholesterol in vegetables, fruits & fruit juices
Chicken cholesterol
Cholesterol in cream
Cholesterolin cookies
Cholesterol in drinks
Cholesterol in eggs
Cholesterol in fast foods
Cholesterol content of fish
Cholesterol in French fries
Cholesterol content of meats, beef
Cholesterol in hamburger
Cholesterol in Junk Food
Cholesterol in milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, & ice cream
Oil & butter
Cholesterol in pizza, muffin, Bbagel, pie
Sandwiches, danish, cakes, cookies
Seafoods
Soups
Sugars, Jams & Spreads

Blood Pressure Topics

Blood pressure hypertension chart
High blood pressure
Diet for high blood pressure
High blood pressure diet
Foods that lower blood pressure
Fruits Vegetables That Lower Blood Pressure
Medication for high blood pressure
High blood pressure symptoms and causes
Stress management
Relaxation and meditation techniques
Herbal Remedy for high cholesterol

HEALTH & FITNESS

Negative Calorie DietCholesterol & TriglyceridesHigh Blood PressureManaging Stress Weight LossBMR & MetabolismGain WeightWarning Signs of DiseasesDiabetes TypesHome RemediesMemory ImprovementBody, Mind, & Spirit

BEAUTY & SKIN CARE


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EXERCISE & FITNESS

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FOODS & NUTRITION

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GENERAL

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