When we think of high cholesterol, we usually associate it with adults. But the reality is that this problem can also appear in childhood and adolescence and bring risks that extend into adulthood. According to experts, detecting an increase in serum cholesterol levels early on and adopting preventive measures are essential actions to reduce cardiovascular complications in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is cholesterol anyway?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cholesterol is a fundamental fat for the body, used in the formation of cells, hormones and vitamins. The problem occurs when levels are high, especially LDL (\"bad cholesterol\"), which can accumulate in the arteries and form fatty plaques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HDL (\"good cholesterol\"), on the other hand, plays a protective role, as it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Triglycerides (TG), on the other hand, when high, also increase the risk of developing heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This combination of alterations is called dyslipidemia (DLP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Causes of high cholesterol in children<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), cholesterol concentrations can rise due to two main factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It's worth noting that thin children can also have high cholesterol, especially in cases of genetic predisposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The laboratory blood test called a lipid profile measures the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. According to the guidelines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How and when to diagnose<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n