Considered a global epidemic, the problem poses serious health risks
EXPERT ARTICLE - PUBLISHED ON 11/25/2015
Dr. Andrea Hercowitz
Pediatrics - CRM 83275/SP
expert my life
But can children and teenagers have "high cholesterol"?
Yes, children and teenagers can have cholesterol high. According to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, around 20% of Brazilian children already have high cholesterol. The numbers have been increasing in recent years, being considered epidemic throughout the world.
Today we know that the problem has always existed and that adults presented coronary disease, acute myocardial infarction, or Cerebrovascular Accident (stroke) between 30 and 50 years of age probably already had high cholesterol levels since childhood.
As it is an asymptomatic disease in this age group, and with the aim of preventing cardiovascular diseases in adults, cholesterol and triglyceride measurement have become part of pediatricians' routine.
What is cholesterol and what are its types?
Cholesterol is a type of fat produced in the human body that, in adequate amounts, is necessary for maintaining health. It's called atherosclerosis the fatty plaques deposited in the blood vessels when cholesterol is above the desired level.
When we measure cholesterol levels we evaluate:
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LDL (low-density lipoprotein), known as "bad cholesterol"
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HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as "good cholesterol"
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VLDL& (very low density lipoprotein), is also bad and is related to triglyceride levels
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Total cholesterol, which is the sum of the previous three
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Triglycerides, which is not cholesterol, but is also a fat and its metabolism is associated with VLDL. Its high levels also bring harm to the human body
What causes children and adolescents to have high cholesterol levels?
There are four different reasons for increased cholesterol in this age group:
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Bad eating habits and sedentary lifestyle - cholesterol is responsive to eating habits and physical exercise. Foods rich in fat increase LDL, while those rich in fiber increase HDL. Practicing aerobic sports also helps to increase HDL.
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Genetic inheritance - known as familial hypercholesterolemia, which is a disease transmitted from parents to children through genetic inheritance. It is characterized by high levels of LDL, regardless of the child's habits.
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Secondary to other illnesses or medications - some illnesses, such as diabetes, obesity e Nephrotic Syndrome, among others, can raise cholesterol, as can the use of some medications, such as Roaccutane.
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Idiopathic (no defined cause) - when there is no family history of high cholesterol, dietary errors or sedentary lifestyle, hypercholesterolemia is considered idiopathic.
When to start cholesterol control?
The doctor will indicate the right time based on clinical parameters and the history of the child and his family. The first dosage should be taken around ten years of age. Children and adolescents with one or more risk factors for atherosclerosis should undergo control exams at an earlier age. The following are considered risk factors:
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Other diseases associated with increased cardiovascular risk, as well as the use of some medications
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Father with cardiovascular disease or stroke before age 55 or mother before age 65
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Exposure to cigarettes, whether active or passive smoker
How to control?
Healthy habits are the best way to control cholesterol. A diet low in saturated fats and rich in fiber and omega 3 is ideal. Saturated fats are found in red meat, whole milk, oils, filled cookies, ice cream and processed snacks, for example. Fiber is present in fruits, vegetables and grains. Omega 3 is acquired through fish - but not seafood, which are very rich in cholesterol -, seeds and cereals, such as oats, wheat bran and chestnuts.
Every child should practice regular physical activity, preferably aerobic. Attention: physical education classes alone are not enough, one-hour exercises are recommended at least three times a week, in addition to those offered daily in schools.
Drug treatment is indicated, under medical supervision, for adolescents over ten years of age with cholesterol levels considered at risk and who have not responded adequately to the recommended diet and physical activity.