Why medical experts say cholesterol screenings are important – even for kids!
Cholesterol Screenings: Why and When They Matter
If you’re hearing more about cholesterol screenings in the news, it’s not your imagination. For the first time since 2018, new cholesterol guidelines focus on lowering bad cholesterol and stress the importance of early screenings.
Middle-aged adults commonly schedule routine medical screenings as recommended by their healthcare providers. Among these assessments, cholesterol screening is a standard component, usually carried out via a straightforward blood draw. This procedure allows medical professionals to evaluate a patient’s cholesterol levels and detect any related potential health risks. But experts caution that waiting until you have a problem isn’t good. Let’s learn more.
Monitoring Cholesterol
Traditionally, screenings have focused on adults 40 and up, but new recent guidelines emphasize the importance of starting assessments much earlier. Newer recommendations strongly encourage screening children initially between the ages of 9 and 11 or as early as age 2 if needed. Results can identify if a child has a family history of high cholesterol and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Younger people are also encouraged to know their numbers and work with their doctor for medical treatment if needed.
The frequency of cholesterol screenings should be discussed with a physician. In addition to recommended guidelines, screenings also depend on an individual’s health history. People in high-risk categories, like those diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, high-blood pressure, or a family history of high cholesterol may require more frequent monitoring. People on cholesterol medications also require ongoing testing.
Understanding Cholesterol and Its Impact on Health
Knowing your cholesterol numbers is crucial, as they help determine your risk for heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol, a type of lipid, is essential for your body’s functions. It contributes to cell membrane structure, aids the liver in producing bile, and acts as a building block for hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, high levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart disease. Conversely, healthy levels of HDL cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, may protect your heart and arteries and reduce your health risk. While lipids are vital for many bodily functions, having too much LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and atherosclerosis (the narrowing or hardening of the arteries). This raises the risk for various heart and blood vessel problems. Alarmingly, about one in four adults have elevated levels of LDL cholesterol – which is dangerous for health.
Newly Released Guidelines: Focus on Early Intervention
Newly released guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association emphasize the early intervention and “more personalized aggressive targets for reducing ‘bad’ cholesterol.” Medical expert Dr. Natalie Azar explains on TODAY that lower LDL levels over a longer period provide greater protection against heart attacks and strokes, and early baseline cholesterol checks can help provide early treatment options. This includes a baseline cholesterol check as young as age 10, another at age around 19 and every five years after, plus more frequent testing with higher risk factors.
Risk Stratification
New screening guidelines include the PREVENT (Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs) calculator that measures one’s 10-year risk of having an event if you’re between ages 30 to 79 and one’s 30-year risk of having an event if you’re between ages 30 to 59. After plugging in information, equations put people into risk categories to include low, borderline, intermediate, and high to help target LDL cholesterol levels.
Newer Helpful Measurement Components
A cholesterol panel is a blood test panel that includes total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (a type of fat that is transported in the bloodstream and stored in the tissues). New guidelines recommend that every adult get tested for lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) at least once in their lifetime. High levels of Lp(a) are typically inherited. Medical experts recommend this test combined with other measures to assess heart disease and stroke risk and guide people toward prevention and treatment.
Sometimes, doctors recommend additional tests. For instance, someone with high triglycerides, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes may be helped with an Apolipoprotein B or ApoB test that looks at the number of harmful cholesterol particles to gain clearer insight into their health and heart disease risk. A Coronary Artery Calcium Scan (CAC scan) is a noninvasive computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart that may be suggested by a doctor to check plaque, determine your risk of heart attack or stroke, and personalize your treatment. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you.
Cholesterol Screening: Knowledge Equals Power
Understanding your cholesterol levels is vital for maintaining overall health. Regular screenings that follow the new recommended guidelines allow you to monitor changes over time and identify any potential risks for heart disease or stroke. By tracking your cholesterol, you can make informed decisions about your lifestyle and medical care. This proactive approach empowers you to take control of your health and reduces the likelihood of developing serious cardiovascular issues. As always, consult your doctor to discuss testing and to address your specific health needs. Remember that some of these tests can be lifesaving, so they should be taken seriously.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not medically reviewed. It is not intended as a medical resource or substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician for medical information and recommendations.