Levels

• For children between the ages of 2 and 19, the goal is to keep LDL less than 130 mg and HDL greater than 35 mg.
  
  

Types

• LDL is low-density lipoprotein, the "bad cholesterol" that can cause a plaque build up in the arteries. HDL is high-density lipoproteins, the "good cholesterol" that actually removes the "bad cholesterol" from the blood and keeps you healthy.
  
  

Testing

• You should have your child's cholesterol level checked beginning at the age of 2 if at least one parent has had LDL levels of 240 mg or higher, heart disease has occurred in a grandparent or parent before the age of 55 or if the child is obese.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• The two main types of treatment are lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) or medicines used to lower the LDL levels.
  
  

Considerations

• Children who have high LDL levels may have a greater risk of getting atherosclerosis when they are older.
  
  

Misconceptions

• You don't actually need to consume cholesterol. Your body produces it in the liver and it generally produces more than enough for you to live on (1,000 mg a day).
  
  

Warning

• If left untreated throughout childhood, it may raise the risk of coronary heart disease as an adult. Eating a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day can help to lower cholesterol levels in children.