High Cholesterol In Children
March 8th, 2011 by Aldouspi

High Cholesterol In Children

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a concern for anyone, but especially when it occurs in children. Here is a look at what it is and what can be done about it.

High cholesterol – what is it?

High cholesterol happens when you have an excessive amount of cholesterol in your blood. There are many factors, from genetics, lifestyles, and diseases that can cause it, but all of them put you at an increased risk of having heart problems – It has been linked to heart attacks and stroke. Basically, over time the excess cholesterol starts to line the walls of your arteries. This can slow down or even stop the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

Why do we have cholesterol?

Cholesterol is made naturally in our bodies and is used to create hormones and cells. It is also found in the animal products that we eat, such as fish, eggs, and dairy products. You cannot survive without cholesterol, but you need to make sure that your different cholesterol levels are in balance. Too much of one type or too little of another can put you at an increased risk for heart disease.

Cholesterol levels in children

The cholesterol guidelines for children are slightly different than those for adults. In general, children between 2 and 19 years of age should have a total blood cholesterol of under 170 with an LDL cholesterol level of under 100.

Total cholesterol levels between 170 and 200, with LDL levels between 100 and 130, are considered borderline risk.

Children with cholesterol levels greater than 200 and with LDL levels of greater than 130 are considered high risk for health problems, particularly girls with HDL levels under 50 and boys with HDL levels under 45. Some doctors recommend treatment for children with LDL levels over 100, if they have a family history of heart problems, and others will be stricter with limits if the child has had previous heart problems.

Do kids need treatment?

There are several reasons why children with high cholesterol need to be treated. Having higher cholesterol levels at a young age can place them at an increased risk for cholesterol-related problems as adults. Arterial damage can occur from cholesterol, even in young adults and teens. Plus, healthy habits are learned, so teaching them at a young age can protect kids from health problems later on.

Treatment for high cholesterol

For most children, dietary changes are the primary treatment for high cholesterol. Making these can improve your child’s overall health as well as the health of the rest of your family. Limit fat intake to under 30% of the calories eaten in a day. Keep calorie counts between 1500 and 2400 calories per day, depending on your child’s age and activity levels. Cut back on saturated fats whenever possible, choosing lean meats, low fat dairy products, and healthier cooking oils. Do not limit fat entirely.

Increase fiber intake to 25-30 grams per day by including whole grains, cereals and vegetables into the diet. Avoid sugary foods as much as possible, particularly nutrient-void foods like candy and sodas.

Other ways to keep down cholesterol levels

Your child will be more successful with cholesterol lowering solutions, if the entire family participates in the program. Children learn by example, and this will also prevent them from feeling “singled out”.

Make foods appealing and try to eat at home as much as possible. Allow kids to participate in meal planning and encourage physical activities. Above all, be realistic. It is next to impossible to avoid the temptation of sugary sweets or a day of video games 100% of the time. By keeping all things in moderation your child can be happy and healthy.


High Cholesterol Items For Sale

[phpbay]High Cholesterol, 16, “”, “”[/phpbay]


High Cholesterol In Children related articles from the blogosphere…

High cholesterol ? a major risk factor for heart disease in

Surprising or not, the main reason for the growing number of abnormal cholesterol levels in children is poor nutrition. Very few children these days eat or on-time eating, make such groups at high risk of cholesterol

Publish Date: 09/23/2011 4:05

http://heart-diseases-symptoms.info/2011/09/high-cholesterol-a-major-risk-factor-for-heart-disease-in-children/

The Link Between High Cholesterol and Heart Disease – articles

According to the report, women above 20 year actually have higher rates of the total cholesterol when compared to men. And it is just not in adults that high cholesterol level is found but also it could be a problem with children

Publish Date: 10/05/2011 10:50

http://articles.whatismycomputerip.com/13305/the-link-between-high-cholesterol-and-heart-disease.html

Children's HIV Drugs May Cause High Cholesterol

5 (HealthDay News) — Children with HIV who receive antiretroviral treatments have persistently high cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels, and would benefit from guidelines aimed at reducing their long-term

Publish Date: 08/03/2011 0:00

http://news.healingwell.com/index.php?p=news1&id=655557


Kids & High Cholesterol Drugs, The Truth, Austin Wellness

MySpace Friend Me! www.myspace.com Kids & High Cholesterol Drugs, The Truth, Austin Wellness With raising obesity rates in America, children are actually being found to have high cholesterol. Does your child need to be on a drug like Lipitor, Zocor o…

Technorati Tags :





Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.

Comments are closed

SIDEBAR
»
S
I
D
E
B
A
R
«
Copyright Healthyhuman.net | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy »  Substance: WordPress   »  Style: Ahren Ahimsa