Lipid profile test is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. The test is used to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should have their cholesterol checked once in their life between ages 9 and 11. But who should get a lipid profile test when it comes to children?.

Children with Risk Factors

Children who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease should get a lipid profile test. These include:.

Obesity
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited high cholesterol)
History of heart disease in the family
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Hypothyroidism
Severe acne

If your child has any of these risk factors, talk to their healthcare provider about getting a lipid profile test.

Children with a Family History of High Cholesterol or Cardiovascular Disease

If your child has a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, they should get a lipid profile test. This is especially important if the family member with high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease is a parent or a sibling.

Knowing your child’s cholesterol levels can help you take steps to prevent early onset of heart disease and other complications.

Children with an Unhealthy Diet

Children who consume a high-fat, high-calorie diet are at increased risk of developing high cholesterol levels. If your child eats a lot of fast food, processed food, and sugary drinks, they may benefit from a lipid profile test.

It’s important to teach your child healthy eating habits and encourage them to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Children with a Sedentary Lifestyle

Children who don’t exercise regularly are also at increased risk of developing high cholesterol levels.

If your child spends a lot of time sitting in front of a screen or engaging in sedentary activities, they may benefit from a lipid profile test.

Encourage your child to engage in physical activities that they enjoy, such as playing sports, dancing, or swimming. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Children Taking Certain Medications

Some medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, can increase cholesterol levels in children. If your child is taking these medications, talk to their healthcare provider about getting a lipid profile test.

Children with Symptoms of High Cholesterol

Children with high cholesterol levels may not show any symptoms, but in some cases, they may have visible signs such as:.

Yellowish bumps underneath the skin on the eyelids (xanthomas)
White or yellowish discoloration on the cornea of the eye (arcus cornea)

If your child has these symptoms, talk to their healthcare provider about getting a lipid profile test.

Children Who Have Had Treatment for High Cholesterol

If your child has been treated for high cholesterol in the past, they should get a lipid profile test regularly to monitor their cholesterol levels and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Depending on the results of the lipid profile test, your child’s healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions to help manage their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Bottom Line

Children with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, taking certain medications, symptoms of high cholesterol, or a history of treatment for high cholesterol should get a lipid profile test. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about when and how often your child should have a lipid profile test.