Should All Toddlers Be Screened for High Cholesterol?

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Has it come to this? Should parents plan for LDLs along with the ABC’s?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that young children and teens with a family history of high cholesterol, premature hearth disease and diabetes be screened as young as 2. But a new study published in the most recent issue of Pediatrics says most people don’t have an accurate understanding of what their family’s health history is.

Instead, researchers are recommending all kids be screened. In the study, 20,000 5th-graders in West Virginia were screened through blood tests and family history. Of those, 71 percent met the guidelines based on family history. But nearly 10 percent of those who didn’t know their family history tested for high cholesterol, some of whom required immediate treatment.

Health screening, especially for children, is a great idea. Cost, however, could limit who would get tested, though overweight, obesity, and high diabetes are found in all sectors.

Should cholesterol tests be routinely screened for in young children?

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