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Laboratory Tests: Cholesterol Screening

*Risk assessment is a primary strategy in early identification of high cholesterol, a major factor in the development of coronary heart disease. All children and teens in the District need to be assessed at each preventive health visit from ages 3 to 21 years to determine their risk of developing high cholesterol.

 

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment to identify high cholesterol levels is based on:

  • Comprehensive physical exam.
  • Family history.*
  • Other risk factors (e.g., obesity, diabetes, smoking).

 

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

  • Parent or grandparent with diagnosed coronary artery disease at under 55 years of age, based on angiography
  • Parent or grandparent with documented myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disease, cerebral vascular disease, or sudden cardiac death at under 55 years of age
  • Family history unknown*
  • Parent's blood cholesterol > 240 mg/dl
  • Other risk factors (obesity, smoking, poor dietary habits, elevated blood pressure, lack of physical activity, diabetes mellitus)

*When family health history is unknown, child/teen is considered at risk.

 

Periodicity and Guidelines for Cholesterol Screening

*HealthCheck recommends cholesterol screening as follows:

Childhood and Adolescence:

  • Assess risk at each preventive health visit from 3 years to 21 years of age .
  • If child or teen at high risk: Screen with a blood test if indicated.

 

Screening Methods

When the physical exam, family history, and/or other factors indicate that the child or teen is at high risk, screen with an initial blood test to measure total cholesterol (TC). If TC > 200 mg/dl, perform a fasting lipoprotein analysis to measure high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density cholesterol (LDL-C).

 

Evaluation and Management

The following table classifies TC and LDL-C levels:1

Category TC (mg/dl) LDL-C (mg/dl)
Acceptable <170 <110
Borderline 170-199 110-129
High >200 >130

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for cholesterol management include the following:

If LDL-C level is in the acceptable range:

  • Provide health education on eating patterns and on other risk factors.
  • Repeat test in 5 years.

 

If LDL-C level is borderline:

  • Advise about risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
  • Initiate the American Heart Association low-fat diet and other risk factor interventions.
  • Repeat test again in 1 year.

 

If LDL-C level is high:

  • Examine for secondary causes (thyroid, liver, and renal disorders) and familial disorders.
  • Screen all family members.
  • Initiate American Heart Association low-fat diet.

 

Resources

Green M, Palfrey JS, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Infants, Children, and Adolescents (2nd ed., rev.). (Appendix H: Hyperlipidemia Screening.) 2002. Arlington, VA: National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health. Available online at www.brightfutures.org.

 

References

1American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Nutrition. 1998. Cholesterol in childhood. Pediatrics 101(1):141-147.

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