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Cholesterol Screening in an At-Risk Pediatric Population

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Abstract

Elevation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a recognized risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and such elevations have their antecedents in the pediatric population. This study evaluated the frequency of elevated LDL cholesterol in children and adolescents (8–18 years) in whom one parent had a history of premature ischemic heart disease (<55 years). Patients had a fasting lipid profile performed and results were classified as normal, borderline/high, or high in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines. Fifty-two parents had a total of 97 children and adolescents who were eligible for screening. Ninety-three initially consented and fasting lipid profiles were obtained in 82 (84.5%) children. Prevalences of high and borderline/high LDL cholesterol were (7/82) 8.5% and (17/82) 20.7%, respectively. Screening for hypercholesterolemia in these at-risk children and adolescents is prudent and dietary advice must be offered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, Ireland

    Michael Joseph O’Grady

  2. Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, Ireland

    Anne-Marie Brown

  3. Department of Paediatrics, Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, Ireland

    Michael Brendan O’Neill

Authors
  1. Michael Joseph O’Grady
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  2. Anne-Marie Brown
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  3. Michael Brendan O’Neill
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Correspondence to Michael Joseph O’Grady.

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O’Grady, M.J., Brown, AM. & O’Neill, M.B. Cholesterol Screening in an At-Risk Pediatric Population. Pediatr Cardiol 29, 609–613 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-007-9167-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-007-9167-y

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