Children and atherosclerosis: With particular emphasis on dislipoproteinaemia

Abstract

Elevated blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for CHD. Cholesterol screening in childhood is an attempt to intercede in the development of the atherosclerotic process rather than intervening when a recognizable disease is declared in adulthood. High LDL levels promote the evaluation of atherosclerosis where high HDL levels are known to have a protective role in atherogenesis. If CAD begins in childhood, prevention is essential, particularly in those who are at risk. The most dramatic consequence of ill health is death. Symptomatic CHD does not occur in children except in those with a genetic predisposition as in the homozygous state of FH. Intuitively it makes sense that a prudent lifestyle will have certain health benefits. It is preventive medicine to incorporate eating a healthy diet and regular physical activity as a routine at a young age. This approach can reduce risk and avoid labelling an individual as having a disease especially if the entire family is involved. The damage that is caused by a diet high in fat and cholesterol does not become evident until adulthood; herein is one of the difficulties that exists in convincing parents, the public and practitioners of the need for early screening and monitoring of susceptible individuals.