Heart Health & High Cholesterol in Kids

Heart Health & High Cholesterol in Kids

Heart Health & High Cholesterol in Kids

It’s a common belief that high cholesterol is a condition that only affects adults, but the condition doesn’t discriminate by age. High cholesterol can affect young children and having more than optimal levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat in the blood stream that is necessary for cells in the body to function at its optimal level. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) or ‘bad’ cholesterol is the kind that can build up in the arteries and can cause heart attacks and strokes. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C) or ‘good’ cholesterol helps in lowering LDL by attaching to it and carrying it to the liver where the body can get rid of it.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Higher levels of cholesterol can be caused by eating food with too much saturated fat or cholesterol in it. In a few cases it can also be caused by hypercholesterolemia, an inherited disorder where the body is unable to remove low density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol).

How to Treat High Cholesterol?

If your child gets diagnosed with high cholesterol you might be wondering what’s the cure for the condition. Here is a list of various steps that you can take to get your child’s cholesterol levels back to the acceptable range.

Just like how an adult will be advised to adapt to a few lifestyle changes to lower the increased cholesterol levels, the kids also need to make a few lifestyle changes to lower the cholesterol levels.

Eat Healthy:

The most important lifestyle change that needs to be made is to eat a healthy diet. Work with your doctor or a dietitian to get the best dietary advice, so that your child can get proper nutrition while trying to lower cholesterol.

Stay Active: 

Children often learn by observing their parents and in order to make your kids stay active indulge with them in some sort of physical activity like playing sports together or going for a walk together.

If you think your child needs an assessment or have any further queries you can book an appointment with our Pediatrician.

If you need a diagnostic blood test, you can avail our health2home service that provides blood test, lipid profile test. Our nurses will reach you and give you the best service within the comfort of your home.