Children and Cholesterol Screening
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia says children as young as two should get annual screenings for high cholesterol because the risk for heart disease can start in young bodies even if children are not overweight.If a child has a family history of high cholesterol, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recommends children undergo a cholesterol profile after overnight fasting.
"Although the most common reasons for high cholesterol are poor diet, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise, some apparently healthy children inherit high cholesterol levels from their parents," said Julie Brothers, M.D., medical director of the Lipid Heart Clinic at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Overall, we’ve noticed an increase in children’s cholesterol levels the past several years and this is a disturbing trend."
More physical activity coupled with a nutritious diet can lead to lower cholesterol levels in both children and adults. It is imperative to get any high cholesterol under control in order to avoid early heart disease and heart injury.
Labels: babies, baby health, toddler health, toddlers
posted by Jennifer James @ 7:50 AM,
