Lipid Assessment/Cholesterol Screening

Preventive Cardiology and Lipid/Cholesterol Screenings

The goal of preventive cardiology is to manage lipid problems early to help prevent heart attack or stroke later in life.

We suggest lipid assessments — or cholesterol screenings — for children who have a family history of heart and vascular disease or are obese.

What Is a Lipid Screening?

A lipid screening is a blood test.

It allows us to see if your child has, or is at risk for, lipid disorders such as:

• Hypercholesterolemia — high cholesterol levels.
• Hypertriglyceridemia — high triglyceride levels.
• Hypertension — high blood pressure.
• Other symptoms of diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

We work with a team of specialists from other fields, including:

• Endocrinology
• Nutrition
• Weight management

Treatments for High Cholesterol and Other Lipid Disorders

After a thorough assessment, the team will propose options for managing your child's condition.

These may include:

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Diet changes
• Exercise programs
• Other lifestyle changes.

To learn more about Lipid Assessment and Cholesterol Screening at Children's, call Preventive Cardiology at 412-692-5540.