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High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Middle-School Children: Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Lifestyle Behaviors

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Abstract

To examine factors associated with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels among middle school children. HDL-C levels were the primary outcome of interest. A total of 1,104 middle-school children (mean age 11.6 years, 51.2 % female) were included in this analysis, of whom 177 (16 %) had an HDL-C level ≤40 mg/dL. More than half of those with low HDL-C were overweight or obese (62.2 %) and had greater systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride (TRG) levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with children with an HDL-C level >40 mg/dL. Among those with an HDL-C ≤ 40 mg/dL, 35 % also had body mass index ≥85 % and TRG levels ≥150 mg/dL. Exercise habits were significantly associated with HDL-C level, whereas sedentary behaviors, such as screen time, were not significantly associated with HDL-C level. Fruit and vegetable intake was also not significantly associated with HDL-C level. Children with low HDL-C levels are more likely to be overweight and to have other physiological indicators of increased cardiovascular risk. Further research is needed to determine if school-based interventions can result in long-term improvements in HDL-C.

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Abbreviations

AAP:

American Academy of Pediatrics

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance between groups

BMI:

Body mass index

CARDIAC:

Coronary Artery Risk Detection Education Program in Appalachian Communities

CHD:

Coronary heart disease

GLU:

Glucose

HDL:

High density lipoprotein

HDL-C:

High density lipoprotein cholesterol

IDF:

International Diabetes Federation System

LDL:

Low density lipoprotein

LDL-C:

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol

NCEP III:

National cholesterol Education Program

PHS:

Project Healthy Schools

SPAN:

School Physical Activity and Nutrition

TC:

Total cholesterol

TRG:

Triglycerides

UMHS:

University of Michigan Health System

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti School Boards and administration for their cooperation and participation in this research and the support of the following: the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Southeast Michigan Community Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Mardigian Foundation, and Thompson Foundation. PHS’ wellness efforts have been generously supported by a number of health systems, foundations, and individuals, including the following: UMHS, Memorial Healthcare Foundation, William Beaumont Health System Foundation, Robert C. Atkins Foundation, Allen Foundation, AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation, and Robert Beard Foundation.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no potential conflicts of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Michigan Cardiovascular Outcomes Research and Reporting Program, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106-0363, USA

    Shannon E. Flynn, Roopa Gurm, Jean DuRussel-Weston, Susan Aaronson, Lindsey Gakenheimer, Joseph Smolarski, Daniel Simhaee, Nicole Corriveau, Taylor Eagle, Ravi M. Rao, Kim A. Eagle & Elizabeth A. Jackson

  2. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106-0363, USA

    Kim A. Eagle & Elizabeth A. Jackson

  3. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Caren Goldberg

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  1. Shannon E. Flynn
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  2. Roopa Gurm
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  3. Jean DuRussel-Weston
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  4. Susan Aaronson
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  10. Taylor Eagle
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth A. Jackson.

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Flynn, S.E., Gurm, R., DuRussel-Weston, J. et al. High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Middle-School Children: Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Lifestyle Behaviors. Pediatr Cardiol 35, 507–513 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-013-0814-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-013-0814-1

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