About High Cholesterol in Children and Teens
Hypercholesterolemia in children and teens can have various causes, including:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH): This is the most common genetic cause of hypercholesterolemia in children and teens. It is inherited from one or both parents and leads to high levels of LDL cholesterol.
- Other genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as familial combined hyperlipidemia and sitosterolemia, can also contribute to hypercholesterolemia.
- Secondary causes: Hypercholesterolemia can be secondary to other medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Non-modifiable risk factors for hypercholesterolemia in children and teens are factors that cannot be changed. These include:
- Family history: Having a family history of early-onset heart disease or hypercholesterolemia increases the risk.
- Age and sex: Boys tend to have higher cholesterol levels than girls during childhood and adolescence.
Modifiable risk factors for hypercholesterolemia in children and teens are factors that can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Unhealthy diet: Consuming a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
- Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyle and insufficient exercise can negatively impact cholesterol levels.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with higher cholesterol levels.
- Smoking: Smoking is a modifiable risk factor that can raise cholesterol levels.
It's important to note that these risk factors can interact with each other, increasing the overall risk of hypercholesterolemia. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking, are key strategies for managing and preventing hypercholesterolemia.
Hypercholesterolemia in children and teens often does not have noticeable symptoms. Most symptoms related to hypercholesterolemia are due to health conditions that are caused by high cholesterol levels.
Symptoms associated with very high levels of cholesterol include:
- Cholesterol-containing skin nodules called xanthomas
- Gray-white rings around the corneas of the eyes
- Yellow bumps on the eyelid
Symptoms of high cholesterol may not be noticeable until a high cholesterol-related condition develops. Examples include:
- Coronary artery disease: Chest pain or discomfort
- Peripheral vascular disease: Leg discomfort
- Carotid artery disease: Weakness of numbness in the face, arms, or legs; sudden vision problems, sudden speech problems
It's important to note that hypercholesterolemia may not always cause symptoms in children and teens. Regular screening and monitoring are crucial for early detection and appropriate management.
To diagnose hypercholesterolemia in children and teens, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:
- Physical exam: The healthcare provider will look for physical signs of a medical problem, including checking heart health by listening to the heart with a stethoscope and checking blood pressure and pulse.
- Lab tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check cholesterol levels and lipid profiles. This is the most common type of test to diagnose hypercholesterolemia.
- Imaging studies: These may include X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess cardiovascular health.
To determine the causes and complications of hypercholesterolemia in children and teens, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may be performed:
- Genetic tests: These look for specific gene mutations associated with familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Additional imaging studies: Advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) scans or coronary angiography may be used to evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Functional tests: These tests assess cardiovascular function and may include exercise stress tests or echocardiograms.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can recommend the most appropriate examinations, tests, and procedures based on individual circumstances.
The goal of treatment for hypercholesterolemia in children and teens is to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which is the "bad" cholesterol associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The recommended treatments for hypercholesterolemia in children and teens include:
- Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes and regular physical activity are the first steps in treatment. A heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is recommended, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, legumes, fish, and lean meats. Limiting the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol is important.
- Nutritional adjuncts: In some cases where dietary changes alone are not sufficient to achieve LDL cholesterol goals, dietary adjuncts like plant sterols or stanols may be recommended. These substances can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
- Medications: If lifestyle modifications and nutritional adjuncts are not enough to reach the treatment goals, medications may be prescribed. Cholesterol-lowering medications used in children and teens include:
- Statins: These medications help reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver.
- Ezetimibe: This medication that blocks absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your child's treatment plan. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors, so check with your child’s healthcare professional about dosing for their individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your child’s healthcare professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.