One- in- three Children has High Cholesterol: Study
One-in-three American children aged between 9 and 11 years has increased levels of cholesterol, according to a study.
Experts from Texas Children's Hospital in Houston looked at out-patient and cholesterol screening records of nearly 12,712 children between 2010 and 2013. Nearly, 30 percent or 4,709 of the total number of children examined in the trial reportedly had cholesterol levels defined as border line or very high by the National Cholesterol Education Program.
Thomas Seery, lead researchers, pediatric cardiologist at Texas Children's Hospital and assistant professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine said in a press release, "The sheer number of kids with abnormal lipid profiles provides further evidence that this is a population that needs attention and could potentially benefit from treatment. But we can only intervene if we diagnose the problem."
Although heart diseases are uncommon among children and usually appear in later years, various studies warn plaque building-up in the arteries, its thickening and narrowing during childhood is a strong indicator of cardiovascular problems. The growing incidence of obesity and excessive consumption of fatty-processed food also contribute to the rise in the number of children diagnosed with dyslepidemia or elevated levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood.
It was found the overall cholesterol levels; low density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad cholesterol" and triglycerides are high among boys compared to girls who have lesser content of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good cholesterol" in their blood. Obese children are more likely to experience increase in LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels compared to those with a normal body weight.
The findings also revealed Hispanic children mostly had abnormal cholesterol and fat content levels in blood.
The authors believe this study supports guidelines by the National Heart and Lung Institute and the American Academy of Pediatric on the need for compulsory and early screening for 9 and 11 years old. But, many health care experts oppose the idea fearing it might put children on unnecessary medication. The study recommends incorporation of healthy eating and lifestyle habits to prevent diseases induced by cholesterol and fat levels.
Prof Seery said, "Kids need to have their cholesterol panel checked at some point during this timeframe [9 to 11 years old]. In doing so, it presents the perfect opportunity for clinicians and parents to discuss the importance of healthy lifestyle choices on cardiovascular health. Our findings give a compelling reason to screen all kids' blood cholesterol."
The research will be presented at the 63rd Annual Scientific session at the American College of Cardiology in Washington.
Apr 01, 2014 05:50 AM EDT
