The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all children between 9 and 11 years old be screened for high blood cholesterol levels due to the growing epidemic of obesity in children.
In addition, the AAP recommends cholesterol testing for the following groups of children:
Those whose parents or grandparents have had heart attacks or have been diagnosed with blocked arteries or disease affecting the blood vessels, such as stroke, at age 55 or earlier in men, or 65 or earlier in women
Those whose parents or grandparents have total blood cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher
Those whose family health background is not known (eg, many adopted children), or those who have characteristics associated with heart diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or obesity.
For children in these categories, their first cholesterol test should be after 2 years but no later than 10 years of age.
We at Caring Pediatrics offer cholesterol and lipid panel testing. Please call and schedule your child's well child today.
