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Experts recommend cholesterol testing for children

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Cholesterol testing has come to be a major part of assessing the heart health of adults. But medical professionals are increasingly saying that the procedure should be provided to children who show certain warning signs of cardiovascular problems.

In fact, a recent article in the Journal of Lipidology says that all young people between the ages of 9 and 11 should be given cholesterol testing, according to HealthDay News. The National Lipid Association researchers who wrote the paper argued that the procedure could help identify individuals whose family history puts them at the greatest risk of future cardiovascular problems.

Furthermore, the recommendations say that children as young as 2 who doctors know come from a background of cardiovascular problems should be given cholesterol testing. This may help identify at-risk individuals early and allow them to pursue lifestyle changes that could prevent cardiovascular health problems, the researchers said.


"If we can get families talking, we hope to make a real difference in helping patients get the care they need," Patrick Moriarty, chief author of the report, told the news source.

Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association