High cholesterol isn’t just a concern for adults — it’s increasingly becoming an issue for children. Though it may seem surprising to think your child could have high cholesterol, it’s more common than you may realize.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood that’s essential for building cells, but too much of it, especially the “bad” LDL cholesterol, can lead to long-term health problems like heart disease.
Our pediatric team has expertise in diagnosing and treating children with high cholesterol. If you have concerns about your child’s cholesterol levels, book an appointment with us at Northeast Pediatric Associates PA. We can perform a lab test that provides accurate information in addition to treatment as needed.
Five reasons your child may have high cholesterol include:
An unhealthy diet is one of the main contributors to high cholesterol in children. Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods, like fast food, sugary snacks, and fried items, can cause cholesterol levels to spike. Even foods marketed to kids, like certain breakfast cereals or lunch snacks, may be loaded with unhealthy fats and added sugars.
Encourage your child to eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to help keep their cholesterol in check.
Kids need to move their bodies every day. Sedentary lifestyles, especially those involving hours of screen time, reduce the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol.
Regular physical activity boosts good HDL cholesterol and reduces bad LDL cholesterol. Have your child aim for at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily, whether it's playing outside, riding a bike, or participating in sports.
Sometimes high cholesterol is inherited. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that impacts the body’s ability to manage cholesterol. Children with FH typically have high LDL levels, even though they consume a healthy diet and get regular exercise.
If high cholesterol runs in your family, let us see your child in their younger years or as early as possible for testing.
Obesity and high cholesterol often go hand in hand. Extra body fat can affect how your child’s body uses and stores fats, leading to elevated cholesterol levels.
You can help your child maintain a healthy weight through balanced meals and regular activity, which will benefit their cholesterol levels as well as their overall well-being.
Certain health conditions, like type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease, can also lead to high cholesterol in children.
If your child is diagnosed with any of these, we provide regular monitoring of their cholesterol levels as part of their treatment plan.
When your child attends regular checkups, has a nutritious meal plan, and stays active, they have a good chance of staying healthy. In addition, be sure to learn about your family’s history to protect your child’s heart health — now and into the future.
Learn more by calling the office nearest you or using the online scheduling feature. We’re here to help by providing early detection and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits. We have offices in Northeast San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Schertz, Bulverde, and Castroville, Texas.
