Understanding Cholesterol in Children: Screening and Prevention Tips for Parents

In this episode of The Beehive Doc Talks, Dr. Blair Rolnick delves into the importance of monitoring cholesterol in children, highlighting that high cholesterol is not just an adult concern. She explains that cholesterol is necessary for building healthy cells but too much LDL (bad) cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular diseases, which often begin in childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal cholesterol screenings at ages 9-11 and 17-21, with selective screenings for at-risk children as young as 2.

Dr. Rolnick emphasizes that high cholesterol in children is primarily genetic, although diet and lifestyle factors also play roles. She advises increasing fiber intake, incorporating plant-based foods, focusing on healthy fats, and considering omega-3 supplements. For some children, medications may be necessary. Dr. Rolnick concludes by stressing the importance of regular checkups, balanced diet, and physical activity for overall health and well-being.

References:

Srinivasan SR, Frontini MG, Xu J, Berenson GS. Utility of childhood non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in predicting adult dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risks: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Pediatrics. 2006 Jul;118(1):201-6. doi: 10.1542/peds.2005-1856. PMID: 16818566. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16818566/

GBD 2015 Obesity Collaborators et al. “Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity in 195 Countries over 25 Years.” The New England journal of medicine vol. 377,1 (2017): 13-27. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1614362
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28604169/

Jacobs DR Jr, Woo JG, Sinaiko AR, Daniels SR, Ikonen J, Juonala M, Kartiosuo N, Lehtimäki T, Magnussen CG, Viikari JSA, Zhang N, Bazzano LA, Burns TL, Prineas RJ, Steinberger J, Urbina EM, Venn AJ, Raitakari OT, Dwyer T. Childhood Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Adult Cardiovascular Events. N Engl J Med. 2022 May 19;386(20):1877-1888. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2109191. Epub 2022 Apr 4. PMID: 35373933; PMCID: PMC9563825.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35373933/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hy0AMRgpa98

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician.

For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/