Cholesterol in Children
Understanding cholesterol and heart health in kids - why it matters and what you can do
❓What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can cause health problems.
✓HDL - "Good" Cholesterol
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) helps remove cholesterol from your arteries and take it to the liver for disposal.
⚠️LDL - "Bad" Cholesterol
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) can build up in arteries, forming plaque that narrows blood vessels and increases heart disease risk.
The Balance:
You want high HDL (good) and low LDL (bad) cholesterol for optimal heart health. Total cholesterol is the combination of both, plus other lipids.
👶Why Cholesterol Matters in Children
You might think cholesterol is only an adult concern, but high cholesterol can start in childhood and lead to problems later in life.
Key Facts:
- •Plaque buildup in arteries can begin in childhood
- •High cholesterol in kids often continues into adulthood
- •Early intervention can prevent future heart disease
- •Healthy habits started young become lifelong patterns
Good News!
The same lifestyle changes that help adults also work for kids: healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help manage cholesterol levels.
🩺When Should Children Be Tested?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cholesterol screening for:
Universal Screening:
- •Ages 9-11 years (once during this time)
- •Ages 17-21 years (once during this time)
Earlier Testing If:
- •Family history of high cholesterol
- •Family history of heart disease
- •Child is overweight or obese
- •Child has diabetes
- •Child has high blood pressure
📊Healthy Cholesterol Levels for Children
| Type | Acceptable | Borderline | High/Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Below 170 mg/dL | 170-199 mg/dL | 200+ mg/dL |
| LDL ("Bad") | Below 110 mg/dL | 110-129 mg/dL | 130+ mg/dL |
| HDL ("Good") | Above 45 mg/dL | 40-45 mg/dL | Below 40 mg/dL |
mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter. Your doctor will interpret results based on your child's individual situation.
💚Healthy Heart Habits for Kids
Most children with high cholesterol can improve it through healthy lifestyle changes:
🥗Heart-Healthy Eating
- ✓Eat more fruits and vegetables
- ✓Choose whole grains over refined
- ✓Include fish twice a week
- ✓Use healthy fats (olive oil, avocado)
- ✓Limit saturated and trans fats
- ✓Choose lean proteins
🏃Stay Active
- ✓60+ minutes of activity daily
- ✓Include aerobic exercise
- ✓Make it fun with sports and play
- ✓Limit screen time to 2 hours/day
- ✓Be active as a family
Additional Healthy Habits:
- •Maintain healthy weight
- •Avoid secondhand smoke
- •Get adequate sleep
- •Limit sugary drinks
- •Reduce processed foods
- •Manage stress appropriately
🍽️Foods to Choose and Avoid
✓Choose More Often
Fruits & Vegetables:
Fresh, frozen, or canned (no added sugar)
Whole Grains:
Oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice
Lean Proteins:
Fish, chicken without skin, beans, lentils
Low-fat Dairy:
Skim or 1% milk, low-fat yogurt
Healthy Fats:
Olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds
✗Limit or Avoid
Saturated Fats:
Fatty meats, butter, full-fat dairy, coconut oil
Trans Fats:
Fried foods, some baked goods, margarine
Processed Meats:
Hot dogs, bacon, sausage, deli meats
Sugary Foods:
Soda, candy, cookies, pastries
Fast Food:
Burgers, fries, and other high-fat options
👨👩👧👦Making It a Family Affair
The best way to help your child maintain healthy cholesterol is to make heart-healthy choices as a whole family:
Cook Together
Involve kids in meal planning and preparation. They're more likely to eat healthy foods they helped make!
Move Together
Family bike rides, walks after dinner, or weekend hikes make exercise fun and build lasting habits.
Be a Role Model
Children learn by watching. When you make healthy choices, they're more likely to follow your lead.
Related Topics
⚠️Important Medical Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Cholesterol management in children should be supervised by a healthcare provider.
Always consult your pediatrician before making significant dietary changes or if you have concerns about your child's cholesterol levels or heart health.