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High Cholesterol in Children and Teens
The body needs cholesterol to work properly. However, if your child or teen has high cholesterol, they have a higher risk of coronary artery disease and other heart diseases. Learn what contributes to high cholesterol in children and teens and how to spot it and treat it.
Fatty Liver Disease in Child
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Cholesterol is Everywhere
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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in the body. The liver makes cholesterol, and it is also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. The body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if your child or teen has high cholesterol (too much cholesterol in the blood), he or she has a higher risk of coronary artery disease and other heart diseases.
Source: MedlinePlus
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A Global Epidemic
Image by TheVisualMD
Three main factors contribute to high cholesterol in children and teens:
Some diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and certain thyroid diseases, can also cause high cholesterol in children and teens.
Source: MedlinePlus
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The Link Between the Gut Microbiome & Childhood Obesity
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There are usually no signs or symptoms that your child or teen has high cholesterol.
Source: MedlinePlus
Why do children need cholesterol testing?
Video by Family Heart Foundation/YouTube
There is a blood test to measure cholesterol levels. The test gives information about:
For anyone aged 19 or younger, the healthy levels of cholesterol are
| Type of Cholesterol | Healthy Level |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 170mg/dL |
| Non-HDL | Less than 120mg/dL |
| LDL | Less than 100mg/dL |
| HDL | More than 45mg/dL |
When and how often your child or teen should get this test depends on his or her age, risk factors, and family history. The general recommendations are:
Source: MedlinePlus
VLDL Cholesterol Test
Also called: VLDL-C, VLDL, Very Low Density Lipoprotein
VLDL stands for very low-density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are particles that carry fat in the bloodstream. Like LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol is considered a type of "bad" cholesterol. Testing for VLDL cholesterol can be used to assess a person's cardiovascular risk.
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LDL/HDL Ratio
Also called: LDL Cholesterol/HDL Cholesterol Ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C, High-density lipoprotein to Low-density lipoprotein ratio, LDL to HDL ratio, LDL-C:HDL-C
Under certain conditions, the risk of developing coronary heart disease (strokes, heart attack) cannot be properly assessed only by looking at a person’s lipids test results. In these cases, the LDL “bad cholesterol” to HDL “good cholesterol” ratio can be used to assess how high a person's cardiovascular risk is.
Cholesterol Home Test
Also called: At-Home Cholesterol Test
By using a home test kit, assessing your cholesterol level can be much easier and simpler. Cholesterol is a fat (lipid) in your blood. High cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease.
Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
Also called: TC/HDL ratio, Cholesterol ratio
The total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is a number that is helpful in predicting atherosclerosis, the process of fatty buildup in the walls of the arteries. The number is obtained by dividing total cholesterol by HDL (good) cholesterol.
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Small-Dense LDL Test
Also called: sdLDL-C, Small-Dense LDL Cholesterol
Lipid profile screening is crucial for the prevention, evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) is an emerging biomarker associated with CVD and several comorbidities.
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Cholesterol Levels
Also called: Cholesterol Test, Blood Cholesterol Testing, Total Cholesterol
A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of each type of cholesterol and certain fats in your blood. Cholesterol is needed to carry out functions such as hormone and vitamin production. High cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease.
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High-Density Lipoprotein Test
Also called: HDL, HDL-C, HDL Cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is the "good" cholesterol. It helps to remove bad cholesterol from your arteries, so a higher HDL level is better.
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Non-HDL Cholesterol Test
Also called: Non-HDL-C, Non-High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Under certain conditions, the risk of developing coronary heart disease (strokes, heart attack) cannot be properly assessed only by looking at the lipids test results. In these cases, the non-HDL cholesterol can be used to assess of how high a person's cardiovascular risk is.
Low Density Lipoprotein Test
Also called: LDL, LDL-C, LDL Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is the "bad" cholesterol. A high LDL level can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. Too much LDL is linked to heart disease and stroke.
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Low Density Lipoprotein: Clogged Arteries (Atherosclerosis) / Plaque in Coronary Artery, close up
Lipid Tests
Also called: Lipid Panel, Lipid Profile, Lipid Testing, Lipoprotein Profile
Lipid tests measure triglycerides, a type of fat found in the bloodstream, and cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood and every cell of your body. High levels of triglycerides and/or a type of cholesterol, called LDL can put you at risk for heart disease.
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Triglycerides Test
Also called: TRIG
A triglycerides test measures the amount of triglycerides in your blood. High triglyceride levels may put you at risk for heart disease. The test is usually part of a lipid profile.
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Apo B/A-I Ratio
Also called: Apo B/Apo A-I, Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio, Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I ratio, ApoB:ApoA-1 ratio
Apolipoproteins (Apo) are proteins that provide structure and serves to carry lipids (fat) molecules through the bloodstream. Apo A-I mirrors the levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol); while Apo B mirrors the levels of LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol). This test is useful to help determine your risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary...
Lipoprotein (A) Blood Test
Also called: Cholesterol Lp(a), Lp(a)
This test measures the level of lipoprotein (a) in a sample of blood. Lipoprotein (a) is a particle that carries cholesterol, proteins and fats in blood vessels. A high level may mean you are at risk for heart disease.
APOE Genotype Test
Also called: Apolipoprotein E Genotyping, APOE Allele E2+E3+E4
The APOE gene provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E. The protein helps carry cholesterol and other fatty molecules in the blood. Determining APOE genotype helps evaluate genetic risks of developing heart disease. The APOE e4 allele is also the major known risk-factor gene for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Apolipoprotein B Test
Also called: Apo B, Beta Apolipoprotein
Apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) is the main protein in the LDL cholesterol’s (bad cholesterol) structure. Its primary function is to protect and transport the LDL particles through the bloodstream. An Apo-B test is mainly used to help assess your risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis (CAD) and heart disease.
Apolipoprotein A-I Test
Also called: Apo A-I, Apolipoprotein A1, Apo-A1
Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo-A1) is the main protein in the HDL cholesterol’s (good cholesterol) structure. Its primary function is to protect and transport the HDL particles through the bloodstream. An Apo-A1 test is mainly used to help assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Teenage Boys Playing Soccer with Anatomy
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Lifestyle changes are the main treatment for high cholesterol in children and teens. These changes include:
If everyone in the family makes these changes, it will be easier for your child or teen to stick to them. It is also an opportunity to improve your health, and the health of the rest of your family.
Sometimes these lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your child or teen's cholesterol. Your health care provider may consider giving your child or teen cholesterol medicines if he or she:
Source: MedlinePlus
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