Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a process that begins in children and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. The pathologic findings include lipid deposits and inflammation in the arterial wall. Strong correlations between CVD risk factors, including dyslipidemias in childhood, have been made with atherosclerosis. The recent obesity epidemic and increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents reflect the prevailing pattern of high triglycerides and low HDL seen in this population. Appropriate identification of dyslipidemias in children and treatment may help reduce their CVD risk as adults.