Cholesterol tests for kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition has just updated its recommendations for cholesterol testing for children. It used to be recommended for children 2 years and older whose parents had risk factors of: Heart disease High cholesterol levels Disease and cholesterol levels of parents unknown

Now the new guidelines recommended cholesterol testing for all children who have risk factors starting at age 2 but no later than age 10. These risk factors include: Kids who are overweight Kids who are obese Kids with diabetes Kids with high blood pressure Kids that smoke

Why the change in guidelines? Well, studies are finding changes in kids arteries that can lead to heart disease. These changes are beginning in childhood. By intervening during childhood through early diagnosis they can: Start early education to change children's eating habits, physical activity and some even need medicine. This early intervention or treatment can possibly prevent heart problems later in life.