Atherosclerosis and children

• There is evidence that atherosclerosis begins during childhood. High levels of cholesterol can hasten the onset of atherosclerosis.
  
  

Effects

• Levels of cholesterol during childhood can affect cholesterol levels in the blood as an adult.
  
  

Obesity

• Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. Childhood obesity has also been strongly linked with high levels of cholesterol.
  
  

Diet

• It is recommended that all children eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits daily and have a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol.
  
  

Normal childhood cholesterol levels

• Children between the ages of 2 and 19 should have blood cholesterol levels that are less than 170 milligrams per deciliter.