High cholesterol in children: How is it treated?

Date Updated: 09/24/2020

Answer Section

The first treatment approach for high cholesterol in children involves lifestyle changes that can benefit the entire family: Lose weight, eat healthy foods, and exercise more.

In particular, avoid processed foods that contain large amounts of saturated fats, trans fats and sugars. Be more active throughout the day and minimize the amount of time spent in front of computers, tablets, televisions and phones.

Your doctor might suggest cholesterol medications if your child:

Continues to have high cholesterol despite lifestyle changes
Is at least 10 years old
Has other health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Has a genetic type of high cholesterol

It's important to reduce high cholesterol in children because the condition can lead to narrowed and hardened arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life.