What You Need To Know About Lipid Screening In Children

Due to the epidemic of childhood obesity and the dramatic increase of long term ailments like high blood pressure and diabetes, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued a recommendation that soon after age 2, and not over 10 years of age, children must get a full fasting lipid profile screening. Scientists have observed that at age 2, children's lipid levels approximate that of young adults, with girls generally having higher total and LDL cholesterol versus boys.

But what exactly is a lipid profile screening? This is a blood test to check cholesterol amounts which essentially determines the following:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides

HDL or High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is known as "good cholesterol" because it prevents arterial blood vessels from getting clogged. High HDL suggests lower risk for cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, LDL or Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is known as "bad cholesterol" because it can build up in the inner walls of arterial blood vessels causing blockade, that can result in heart attack and stroke. High LDL implies high risk for cardiovascular illnesses. This class of cholesterol is the center of attention in lipid screening in children.

The suggested normal LDL cholesterol concentrations in kids at screening are as follows:

For children with no risk factors ———- LDL level < 190 mg/dl
For children w/ risk factors ———- LDL level < 160 mg/dl (e.g. obesity, hypertension, smoking, Family history of premature cardio- vascular diseases)
For children w/ diabetes mellitus ———- LDL level < 130 mg/dl

Kids with normal lipid value at screening may be retested 3 to 5 yeas after. And for those kids with abnormal lipid levels (high LDL/triglycerides or low HDL), they must get education on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Diet modification includes eating more soluble fiber found in oatmeal, beans, fruits, and veggies, and less saturated fat and cholesterol. It is additionally essential for them to have routine or regular lipid testing to keep track of blood cholesterol amounts. When lifestyle changes are not enough to reach target cholesterol ranges, the pediatrician may prescribe medication such as statins to help lower blood cholesterol. Remember, medications are not a substitute for lifestyle changes. Your little one still needs to eat the proper foods and exercise regularly.

This suggestion by the American Academy of Pediatrics is valuable. It reemphasizes the need to prevent development of cardiovascular diseases as early as childhood. Early screening identifies children with high risk factors, so early intervention can be carried out to decrease the chance of progression of cardiovascular disease in adult life.


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