How to Lower Cholesterol – Heart Disease, Cholesterol & Children
The fact today is that we are seeing a rising cases of children with high cholesterol or heart diseases. Many of these children falls into the high risk group of having high cholesterol and we are seeing more of these in their earlier age then before experienced. Health care givers, in general, do not check for children’s cholesterol regularly.
There are sound research to back the fact that cholesterol buildup could start in childhood, stated by findings with American Heart Association. These build up in arteries could lead to heart attack, stroke or even both, depending on which arteries are they.
It is perfect to introduce healthy life style at childhood because these will provide them a chance to develop into healthier habits into adult hood.
Apparently, children who are in the high risk group are those who have family history of high cholesterol or heart disease and who are overweight.
The American Heart Association has a scientific position that, “elevated cholesterol levels early in life may play a role in the development of adult atherosclerosis and that lowering levels in children and adolescents may be beneficial”.
Kids absorb dietary cholesterol from eating animal food such as egg yolks, meat, poultry, seafood, and whole-milk dairy products that include milk, ice cream and cheese.
The following are some factors that come into play for kids with cholesterol problem:
If their diet contain lots of fats, especially so for saturated fats. Example are baked products and snacks.
A family history of high bad cholesterol to good cholesterol ratio.
Kids who are obese by medical standards and who lack adequate amounts of active exercise
Kids and teens are at an increased risk for cholesterol factors for increased heart disease risk when they participate in smoking, have high blood pressure or contract diabetes mellitus
If you kids are active, have a healthy diet that lacks saturated fats, especially baked goods and snacks, or do not fall into any of the above points, you really don;t need to worry about your kids with cholesterol of early heart diseases.
Kids who are 2 years and above who are exposed to known risk factors should be screened for blood cholesterol levels. The following are the risks:
- Has at lease one parent with total cholesterol of 240mg/dL and higher.
Has a parent or grandparent who has heart disease before 55.
- If there is any family history that is “unknown”
The child is overweight or is clinically obese
A simple blood test can determine what your child’s cholesterol levels are. The acceptable total cholesterol level for children ages 2 – 19 are less than 170 mg/dL. Borderline total cholesterol levels are from 170 – 199 mg/dL. High levels are those that are 200 mg/dL or higher.
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