How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally - A Look at Children with Potential High Cholesterol Problem

The sad fact today is there is a rising trend of children with cholesterol problem, we may not like it, but we have to face this fact. According to some studies, many children are considered in the group of high risk premature coronary heart disease and some of them are suffering from high cholesterol at a much younger age then before. As a guide, health care professional do not check children's' cholesterol levels routinely.

Cholesterol build up in the arteries can lead to either heart attack, stroke or both, depending on where the arteries are in the body. The American Heart Association states that there is research finding to support cholesterol buildup starts in early childhood.

The perfect time to introduce and intervene with healthy life style changes are childhood. These will provide healthier habits for the rest of their life.

Children with a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease and overweight themselves are most at risk.

The scientific position of American Heart Association is "elevated cholesterol levels early in life may play a role in the development of adult atherosclerosis and that lowering levels in children and adolescents may be beneficial"

The dietary cholesterol that kids absorb are from food such as red meat, egg yolks, seafood, and full fat dairy products that include milk, cheese and ice cream.

The following are some factors that come into play for kids with cholesterol problem:

- Diet that contains high level of saturated fats like baked goods and packaged snacks products.

- If they have a family history of low good cholesterol or high bad cholesterol.

- If they are overweight by medical standard and are have a sedentary life style.

- Children or teens who smokes, have high blood pressure or type 1 diabetes.

If you kids are active, have a healthy diet that lacks saturated fats, especially baked goods and snacks, or do not fall into any of the above points, you really don;t need to worry about your kids with cholesterol of early heart diseases.

Kids who are 2 years and above who are exposed to known risk factors should be screened for blood cholesterol levels. The following are the risks:

- Has at lease one parent with total cholesterol of 240mg/dL and higher.

- Has a parent or grandparent with early heart disease before age 55.

- If there is any family history that is "unknown"

- The child is overweight or is clinically obese

A simple blood test will tell your child's cholesterol level. At age 2-9, the acceptable level are less 170mg/dL. 170-199 mg/dL are considered borderline and high level are those that are above 200 mg/dL.

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