High Cholesterol Levels in the Young

High cholesterol levels in people under the age of 25 are an increasing concern. Find out what causes high cholesterol in young people and what can be done.

Adults are not the only people who need to be concerned about high cholesterol levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that an acceptable level of total cholesterol for people between the ages of 2 and 19 is less than 170 mg. Statistics show that up to one-third of young adults have high cholesterol levels above 200 mg. 

What Causes High Cholesterol Levels in Children and Young Adults?

In the past, doctors didn't worry that much about high cholesterol in younger people, but studies are showing that children and adolescents who have high cholesterol are more likely to develop heart disease as adults. The NHLBI even recommends that children as young as age 2 have their cholesterol checked if they have a parent with high cholesterol or a family history of early heart disease. 

Possible causes of high cholesterol levels in young people include:

• Genetics. In most cases, a young person with high cholesterol levels has a parent with high cholesterol.
• Diet. Young people who are exposed to a high-fat diet — common in junk foods or fast-foods — are at risk for high cholesterol.
• Obesity. Children and young adults who are overweight are at increased risk.
• Lack of exercise. Spending too much time playing video games and watching TV instead of getting regular exercise is a risk factor for developing high cholesterol levels.

Treating High Cholesterol Levels in Children and Young Adults

Although medications are used for some young people with high cholesterol levels, the best way to treat this problem is with diet and exercise.

• Decrease saturated fats and cholesterol. Young people over the age of 2 should not get more than 30 percent of their calories from fat. If you or your child has high cholesterol, work with your doctor or nutritionist to start a low cholesterol, low saturated-fat diet.
• Increase physical activity. The goal should be 30 minutes of exercise that makes the heart beat faster at least three times per week. Walking, biking, swimming, and team sports are all good examples. Limit time in front of the TV to two hours a day.
• Medications. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, medications to lower high cholesterol in young people should be considered if they have very high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the type of cholesterol that contributes to the blocking of arteries. Other reasons to consider medication are having a parent with early heart disease, having diabetes, or when diet and exercise alone are not working.

Motivating Young People With High Cholesterol Levels

Because young people do not usually have any high cholesterol symptoms, it may be hard for them to take high cholesterol seriously. It is important for parents and young adults to know that there is a direct relationship between high cholesterol in young people and the risk of dying years later from a heart attack. Here are some ways to help:

• Get screened early. Any young person with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, or an important risk factor like obesity, should be screened regularly. Knowing the numbers is an important motivating factor.
• Join a team or learn a new sport. Exercising can be fun and can be a great motivator.
• Get some help. Changing your lifestyle to include exercise and learning about a new heart-healthy diet can be hard. In addition to working with your doctor, think about getting help from a nutritionist and a fitness expert.
• Do it as a family. Lifestyle changes like exercise and nutrition are best done as a family. If you are a parent of a child with high cholesterol, you can help your child develop healthy habits for a lifetime by setting a good example.

High cholesterol in children and young adults can lead to heart disease in later years. If you don't know what your or your children's cholesterol levels are — especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease — ask your doctor about screening. Treatment of high cholesterol starts with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. The best time to start a healthier lifestyle is now. Remember that it is easier to grow up with these healthy habits than to learn them as an adult. 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?!

Creamy Pesto Chicken & Bow Ties

On-hand ingredients like cream of chicken soup, pasta and prepared pesto sauce combine with chicken to make a mouthwatering dinner that's on the table in 30 minutes. 

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 30 mins 

SERVES 4  

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoon butter
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast half (about 1 pound), cut into cubes
• 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 cup bow tie pasta , cooked and drained

 

Directions

Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the chicken and cook until well browned, stirring often.

Stir the soup, pesto sauce and milk in the skillet and heat to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low.  Cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.  Stir in the pasta and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling.