You'll rarely see the effects of high cholesterol in a child, but
the silent build-up of fatty plaque in blood vessels can start
young - and cause trouble later.
"That's why good cardiovascular habits, including regular exercise
and an active lifestyle, as well as an appropriate diet, are so
important to instill in childhood and adolescence," says Dr. Sarah
Blumenschein, a preventive cardiologist on the medical staff at
Children's Medical Center Dallas.
Several risk factors in the young relate to heart disease later in
life. Besides high cholesterol, they include obesity, inactivity,
smoking and high blood pressure, says Dr. Blumenschein, who also is
an assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center.
Dr. Blumenschein has seen obesity
levels rise as children's activity levels drop. "It's a clear
epidemic," she says.
Besides
offering children a balanced diet, try to limit snacking and serving
sizes. "The trend toward super-sizing everything is resulting in
super-sized American kids," Dr. Blumenschein says. As for exercise,
she says, it need not be complicated: "A body needs simply to
move."
Genetics also plays a role in
heart health. The National Cholesterol Education Program
recommends performing selective screening in children whose first- or
second-degree family members have had evidence of coronary artery
disease below the age of 55. Screening also is recommended for children
whose parents are known to have high cholesterol or triglyceride
levels, even if they have not yet developed coronary artery
problems.
Doctors usually prescribe
medication only as a last resort in treating high cholesterol
levels. "The initial strategy is first to do diet modification and start
a formal exercise program," says Dr. Blumenschein.
Two Keys to Healthy
Hearts:
Exercise
For children ages 5 and
older:
- Provide at least 30 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity
activities each day.
- Provide at least 30 minutes of vigorous
physical activities three to four days a week.
- In lieu
of a 30-minute activity, provide two 15-minute or three 10-minute
periods of activity appropriate for your child's age, gender and
development.
Diet
For children ages 2 and
older:
- Total fat should be no more than
30 percent of daily calories.
- Saturated fat should be
no more than 10 percent of daily calories.
- Dietary
cholesterol should be less than 300 mg per day.
- Use the "age
plus 5" guideline for fiber. A 7-year-old should eat 12 grams of
fiber: 7 + 5=12.
- When daily calorie intake reaches 1,500,
raise fiber to 25 grams.
- Children should eat at least
five servings of fruits and vegetables each
day.
For more information
- For more
information on pediatric heart health topics, click here.
- For more information on the Comprehensive
Center for Heart Care at Children's, click here.
