We know that cholesterol is a fat present in the body that must be maintained within certain levels, since in excess it can be harmful to health. But, Can a child have cholesterol? From what age do we have to worry?
We do not usually ask these questions, since high cholesterol is associated with adulthood. And while it is mostly a problem for adults, sometimes children can also have high cholesterol levels. So, it's normal for us to ask ourselves, Does my child need cholesterol control?
In early childhood, between the ages of two and five, a cholesterol test may be recommended for those children at risk, that is:
- Children with problems of overweight or obesity.
- Children whose family members have a history of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension or suffer from early cardiovascular diseases.
- Children whose body produces excess cholesterol due to diseases such as hypothyroidism, liver failure, diabetes or nephrosis (a non-inflammatory kidney disease).
- If there is an inherited disease such as familial hyperlipidemia, diabetes or obesity.
Later, but before puberty, it would also be advisable perform cholesterol control on children with incorrect eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. The diagnosis is simple, since it is made by a blood test after 12 hours of fasting.
Remember that high cholesterol is harmful because it accumulates on the walls of blood vessels and a plaque is formed that can cause stiffness, narrowing or blockage of these, with the consequent risk of clots, heart attacks, strokes ...
However, it is best to prevent childhood cholesterol, trying to keep the child on a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Fulfilling these premises we will be putting a brake on cholesterol in childhood, since in most cases the origin of the problem lies there.
