What are the cholesterol guidelines for children and teens?
High cholesterol levels can begin early in life. A child who is overweight, exercises little, and does not eat healthy foods may have a higher chance of having high cholesterol. High cholesterol can also run in families.
But experts disagree about whether lowering cholesterol levels in children and teens is helpful. If you have concerns about your child's cholesterol, talk with your doctor.
The American Heart Association has issued the following guidelines on cholesterol in children and teens 2 to 19 years old:1
Total cholesterol Best Less than 4.4 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) or 170 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL)
Borderline high 4.4 to 5.1 mmol/L (170 to 199 mg/dL)
High 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or above
LDL (bad) cholesterol Best Below 2.8 mmol/L (110 mg/dL)
Borderline high 2.8 to 3.3 mmol/L (110 to 129 mg/dL)
High 3.4 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) or above
The best HDL (good) cholesterol levels in children and teens 2 to 19 years old are 0.90 mmol/L (35 mg/dL) and above. For the same age group, triglyceride levels are best below 3.9 mmol/L (150 mg/dL).
The American Heart Association suggests that children and adolescents have their cholesterol tested if they are overweight or have a family history of premature heart disease (heart disease in a parent or grandparent younger than 55 years of age).
Treatment for high cholesterol in children and adolescents may include dietary and lifestyle changes or statins.2
If you have concerns about your child's cholesterol, talk with your doctor.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Ralph Poore | Last Updated: November 13, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Neil J. Stone, MD, FACC, FACP - Internal Medicine, Cardiology | |
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