Abnormal Lipid Levels in Adolescents Causes Concern for Heart Disease
January 22, 2010
Abnormal Lipid Levels in Adolescents Cause Concern for Heart Disease 

One out of five adolescents, ages 12-19, have abnormal lipid (fat) levels, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in this week’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. CDC analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 through 2006, which showed that the prevalence of abnormal lipids among youths aged 12-19 was 20.3%.  Prevalence varied by BMI, ranging from 14.2% of normal weight youths to 42.9% of obese youth having at least one abnormal lipid level.  Among all adolescents, 32% had a high BMI. 

Abnormal lipid levels and high BMI are risks for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S.  Untreated abnormal lipid levels in youth are linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease in adulthood.  In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) established targeted screening guidelines to detect abnormal lipid levels in teens.  Abnormal lipid levels include low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), "good cholesterol"; high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), "bad cholesterol"; and high levels of triglycerides.  The findings of this report further support the AAP recommendations and guidelines and given the high prevelance of abnormal lipid livels among teens who were overweight and obese in the study, it enforces that clinicians should be aware of these recommendations in their efforts to reduce the risk of heart disease. 

See also:
CDC: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, January 22, 2010 / 59(02);29-33

CHHCS: Keeping Kids Healthy: Overweight, Nutrition and Physical Exercise