by Marjorie Montemayor-Quellenberg, MA
High cholesterol
is a health problem we often associate with adults, but children can also be affected. High cholesterol levels, along with other factors that put adults at risk for heart problems (high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of physical activity, and being
overweight or obese), also put children at risk later in life.
For instance, high cholesterol levels play a role in forming fatty plaque build-up in arteries, causing the arteries to harden. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, can start in childhood. If not addressed, it can lead to coronary artery disease in adulthood.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends that all children have a cholesterol screening when they are between the ages of 9 and 11 years old. However, if high cholesterol levels run in your family or if your child has certain risk factors, he or she may need cholesterol screening before then. Discuss this with your child's doctor. All children should be checked again between the ages of 17-21 years.
There are 2 types of cholesterol often discussed: “good” cholesterol, also known as HDL cholesterol, and “bad” cholesterol, also called LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the main culprit of heart problems, so keeping levels low is important. For children, this means making sure that their LDL cholesterol level is less than 110 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Here are cholesterol level guidelines from NHLBI:
Acceptable | less than 110 mg/dL |
Borderline | 110-129 mg/dL |
High | 130 mg/dL or greater |
Acceptable | less than 170 mg/dL |
Borderline | 170-199 mg/dL |
High | 200 mg/dL or greater |
Children older than 8 years old who have very high LDL cholesterol levels, usually 190 mg/dL or greater, may be given medications called statins. Statins work by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. A doctor may prescribe this medication if your child has been diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition in which a person is born with high levels of LDL cholesterol. Diet and exercise may not be enough to lower the cholesterol levels to a safer level.
Regardless of your child’s cholesterol levels, a proper diet and exercise are important to keep cholesterol levels under control, as well as maintain overall health. Here are some ways you can incorporate a nutritious diet and physical activity into your child’s life:
Children will often look to adults as lifestyle examples. Therefore, to encourage healthy habits, it is important that the entire family is involved in eating right and exercising. Doing so will ensure that both you and your children can lead healthy lives together.
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org
Kids Health—Nemours Foundation
http://kidshealth.org
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.com
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Published October 2008. Accessed January 22, 2016.
Children and cholesterol. American Heart Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated May 12, 2014. Accessed January 22, 2016.
Children and cholesterol. American Heart Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
. Updated May 1`2, 2014. Accessed January 22, 2016.
Cholesterol and your child. Nemours' Kids Health website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated July 2013. Accessed January 22, 2016.
Familial hypercholesterolemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated December 14, 2015. Accessed January 22 ,2015.
NHLBI integrated guidelines for pediatric cardiovascular risk reduction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated February 12, 2013. Accessed January 22, 2016.
Last reviewed January 2016 by Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 3/7/2014