Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance. It can be found in all parts of your child's body. It helps make cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in blood comes from 2 sources. The first source is from the foods your child eats. The second source is from their liver. Your child's liver can make all of the cholesterol they need.

Cholesterol and other fats are carried through the blood. They are in the form of round blobs called lipoproteins. There are 2 main types of lipoproteins. One type is low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The other type is high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the blood. Most of your child's body fat is in the form of triglycerides.

High levels of triglycerides are linked with a higher risk of heart disease.

High triglyceride levels may be caused by:

• Diabetes.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Gene that causes high triglyceride levels in families (familial hypertriglyceridemia).
• Obesity.
• Some medicines.
• Eating a lot of high-fat, sugary foods, or dairy.
• Drinking a lot of alcohol.

A lipid screening is a test to look at the levels of the fats in the blood. Screening is recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 11, or earlier in some cases such as when there is a strong family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. Your child's doctor can help you decide when to have your child screened.

Your child may need to fast before the blood test. This depends on the type of lipid test being done. Fasting means your child should not eat food or drink anything but water before the test.

• Under age 2. Lipid testing is not advised.
• Ages 2 to 8. Testing is advised if your child has other risk factors for heart disease. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, exposure to cigarette smoke, or a family history of these. Other risk factors include family history of early coronary artery disease or lipid disorder, kidney disease, or other chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Ages 9 to 11. Testing is advised. This can be done with either a fasting or nonfasting lipid profile.
• Ages 12 to 16. Testing is not advised. This is because of changing lipid levels during puberty. But testing is advised if your child has risk factors as noted above.
• Ages 17 to 21. Testing is advised. This is because lipid levels are more stable after puberty.

A full lipid profile can be an important part of your child's health information. It shows the levels of each type of fat in the blood. These include LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Your child's doctor can tell you what the results should be for your child. In general, healthy levels are:

• LDL of less than 130 mg/dL.
• HDL of greater than 60 mg/dL (less than 35 mg/dL puts your teen at higher risk for heart disease).

Some children and teens (ages 2 to 19) have families with high cholesterol or early heart disease. In these cases, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute advises these levels for cholesterol:

If the results of your child's lipid tests are abnormal, your child's doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan. Most children and teens will not need medicine. Healthy eating, weight loss, and more physical activity may bring your child's blood lipid levels to normal. The doctor will track lipid levels and help your child make lifestyle changes. Your child's doctor will talk with you about medicine if needed.