Cholesterol in Children and Teens

Overview

What are cholesterol and high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in the blood. It is needed for the body to function, and the body makes all it needs. It also comes from the food your child eats. High cholesterol means your child has too much of this type of fat in their blood.

What puts children and teens at risk for high cholesterol?

A child may have a higher risk of having high cholesterol if the child:

• Eats foods with too much saturated fat.
• Has a family history of high cholesterol.

Being at a higher weight and not being active enough may also affect a child's cholesterol levels.

What should cholesterol levels be in children and teens?

Your child's doctor may suggest a cholesterol test based on your child's age, family history, or a physical exam.

You can ask your child's doctor if your child should have a cholesterol test. There are different recommendations that doctors may follow.

Cholesterol levels for children and teens

For children and teens:

The goal numbers for HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides can depend on your child's age and sex.

How is high cholesterol in children treated?

Treatment includes eating healthy foods, staying at a weight that's healthy for your child, and being more active. Work with your child's doctor or a dietitian to make a healthy eating plan your child can follow while trying to lower cholesterol. Sometimes, medicines such as a statin may be used to help lower cholesterol.