What should I do if my child has high cholesterol? ——A must-read health guide for parents
In recent years, the problem of high cholesterol in children has gradually become a health hotspot of concern to parents. According to the latest data, about 10%-15% of children around the world have high cholesterol due to changes in diet and lack of exercise. This article will combine recent medical research and expert advice to provide parents with scientific solutions.
1. The dangers and causes of high cholesterol in children
Excessive cholesterol may lead to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, and abnormalities in childhood may continue into adulthood. The following is an analysis of common causes:
| Reason type | Specific performance | Proportion (child patients) |
|---|---|---|
| genetic factors | familial hypercholesterolemia | About 5%-7% |
| Improper diet | Excessive intake of fried foods and sweets | 45%-50% |
| lack of exercise | Daily activity <1 hour | 30%-35% |
| Obesity related | BMI exceeds age standard | 25%-30% |
2. Diagnostic standards and detection methods
According to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (revised in 2023), the normal range of cholesterol in children is as follows:
| Indicator name | normal range | warning value |
|---|---|---|
| total cholesterol | <170 mg/dL | ≥200 mg/dL |
| LDL (bad cholesterol) | <110 mg/dL | ≥130 mg/dL |
| HDL (good cholesterol) | ≥40 mg/dL | <35 mg/dL |
3. Scientific response strategies
1. Diet modification plan
It is recommended to adopt the "5-3-2" dietary rule:
| food type | Recommended ratio | specific suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables and fruits | 50% | ≥5 kinds of fruits and vegetables of colors every day |
| High quality protein | 30% | Fish, soy products, skinless poultry |
| whole grains | 20% | Oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread |
2. Exercise prescription
The World Health Organization recommends that children aged 6-17 years old do at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise every day:
| exercise type | Frequency | Example |
|---|---|---|
| aerobics | 5-7 days a week | swimming, cycling, skipping |
| strength training | 2-3 days a week | Bodyweight training (push-ups, squats) |
3. Timing of medical intervention
When lifestyle modifications are ineffective for 6 months and the following conditions occur, medical treatment should be considered:
• LDL persists ≥190 mg/dL
• Family history of premature cardiovascular disease
• Comorbid diabetes or hypertension
4. Preventive measures and common misunderstandings
Common misunderstandings corrected:
| Misunderstanding | facts |
|---|---|
| Children don’t need to control their cholesterol | Arteriosclerosis may begin in childhood |
| Total ban on fat intake | Need moderate amounts of healthy fats (such as nuts, deep-sea fish) |
The golden rule of prevention:
1. Regular testing: It is recommended that children aged 9-11 years old have their blood lipids tested at least once
2. Family participation: The whole family improves eating habits together
3. Sleep guarantee: Guarantee 8-10 hours of high-quality sleep every day
Through scientific management and early intervention, most childhood cholesterol problems can be effectively controlled. Parents should maintain a rational attitude, avoid excessive anxiety, and pay attention to establishing a healthy lifestyle foundation.
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