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High cholesterol is a widely recognized factor that can lead to heart problems. As people grow older, the chances of having high cholesterol increase. With age, the body becomes less efficient at removing cholesterol from the bloodstream, resulting in unhealthy cholesterol levels, which raise the chances of heart issues and strokes. However, children and teenagers can have high triglyceride levels even if they show no clear signs. So, how can you determine if your child has high cholesterol or triglycerides? Continue reading to find out what the expert suggests. There are two main types of fats: cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol is mostly made by the liver and is only found in small amounts in our food, while triglycerides come entirely from what we eat. Lipoproteins act as transporters for these fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) in our blood. We commonly refer to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) as the 'bad' cholesterol because this type can cause cholesterol to accumulate in blood vessels. Conversely, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as the 'good' cholesterol since it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.
Primary hypercholesterolemia is rare and is caused by genetic changes. In contrast, secondary hypercholesterolemia is much more common and occurs due to other health issues. The main cause is obesity. Other causes include hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, and liver diseases that block flow. Childhood obesity has become a major problem in the 21st century, especially with the increase in inactivity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization reported that in 2024, 35 million children younger than 5 were overweight. Moreover, in 2022, over 390 million children and teens aged 5 to 19 were overweight, including 160 million with obesity. Global studies show that the number of obese kids and teenagers has risen tenfold in the past 40 years. Insulin resistance contributes to the development of health issues related to obesity, leading to problems like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy blood fat levels, fatty liver disease, and heart conditions.
Both the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) strongly advise that all children aged 9 to 11 have their cholesterol checked. Children with parents who have high cholesterol, or those with obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure, should be particularly tested. It's important to remember that the normal cholesterol levels for children are different from adults, so it's best to see a child hormone specialist for correct advice and treatment.
Changing daily habits is the most important way to deal with high cholesterol in children. Dr. Reddy offered these tips:
It's very important to stay away from unhealthy snacks, sugary drinks, chips, candies, processed foods, and fried foods. You can let your child have a small treat every two weeks if they eat healthy foods the rest of the time.
Eat balanced, healthy meals cooked at home, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber.
She also mentioned that "children often don't drink enough water, and making sure they drink enough every day is very important."
Regular exercise can help improve cholesterol levels by making the body more sensitive to insulin. Children should aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate to strong exercise daily.
They are more often prescribed for genetic high cholesterol in people who are already adults.
