Children's Cardiovascular Health

Heart Health – It’s not just for adults….

Heart disease, cholesterol screening, blood pressure, and watching your weight are typically thought of as adult health concerns. However, there is growing evidence to support that atherosclerosis begins in childhood. In addition, evidence also shows that the presence of atherosclerosis is associated with risk factors such as high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity and cigarette smoking. These risk factors are related to poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity. With this evidence, the National Cholesterol Education Project, which is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and the American Heart Association established recommended guidelines for cholesterol screening in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics also endorses these guidelines.

Recommendations for all children and adolescents include assessing diet, weight, blood pressure, cigarette smoking and physical activity during regular doctor visits. Special guidelines are in place to identify children and adolescents at high risk for heart disease. The guidelines recommend testing “high-risk” children any time after the age of two years. High-risk children are those with a family history of early heart disease or stroke, those who have a parent with high cholesterol, or any child whose family history is unknown. Children with two or more risk factors that include tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and even physical inactivity also should be tested.

Acceptable levels of cholesterol and triglycerides for children are: total cholesterol of less than 170 mg/dL; low density lipoproteins (LDL) level of less than 130 mg/dL; high density lipoproteins (HDL) levels should be greater than 35 mg/dL; and triglyceride levels should be less than 150 mg/dL.

What can you do to assure your child’s heart health? In Texas in general, and in Temple and Belton in particular, we are fortunate to have school districts that are actively implementing programs to educate children on heart-healthy habits. We encourage all parents to participate by being aware of risk factors in their children and asking their doctor about screening, particularly if their child has any risk factors; be sure your child eats a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Kids also need to get plenty of exercise and physical activity; limit TV time and computer time. Talk to your child about the dangers of cigarette smoking. Plan fun activities and meals the family can enjoy together.

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