What are the cholesterol guidelines for children and teens?
High cholesterol levels can begin early in life. A child who is overweight, exercises little, and does not eat healthy foods may have a higher chance of having high cholesterol. High cholesterol can also run in families.
The American Heart Association has issued the following guidelines on cholesterol in children and teens 2 to 19 years old:1
Total cholesterol Best Less than 170 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
Borderline high 170–199
High 200 or above
LDL (bad) cholesterol Best Less than 110 mg/dL
Borderline high 110–129
High 130 or above
The best HDL (good) cholesterol levels in children and teens 2 to 19 years old are 35 mg/dL and above. For the same age group, triglyceride levels are best below 150 mg/dL.
The American Heart Association suggests that children and adolescents have their cholesterol levels tested if they are overweight or have a family history of premature heart disease (heart disease in a parent or grandparent younger than 55 years of age).
Treatment for high cholesterol in children and adolescents may include dietary and lifestyle changes or statins.2
If you have concerns about your child's cholesterol, talk with your doctor.
| Author: | Ralph Poore | Last Updated: July 20, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Neil J. Stone, MD, FACC, FACP - Internal Medicine, Cardiology | |
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