1 in 3 U.S. Kids has High Cholesterol

Statistics show that more than 71 million adult Americans are affected by high levels of LDL, otherwise known as "bad" cholesterol. That's one out of every 3 adults. Yet statistics also show that cholesterol levels for American children may not be so healthy for many. 

A recent study analyzed the medical records of more than 12,000 children between 9 and 11-years-old who have gone through cholesterol screenings and found that more than 4,000 of them had symptoms of borderline cholesterol.

In fact, the findings show that close to 30 percent of the children screened are at risk of developing health conditions related to such issues as they age, including stroke and/or cardiovascular disease.

"We know that higher levels of, and cumulative exposure to, high cholesterol is associated with the development and severity of atherosclerosis," said study lead investigator Thomas Seery, an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries and the common cause of strokes and heart attacks, via a press release.

Researchers also observed that elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as the bad cholesterol and triglycerides, were more prevalent in boys than girls.

"Kids need to have their cholesterol panel checked at some point during this timeframe. In doing so, it presents the perfect opportunity for clinicians and parents to discuss the importance of healthy lifestyle choices on cardiovascular health," the researchers added, via the release.

More information regarding the study's findings was presented at the American College of Cardiology 2014 Scientific Sessions in Washington.