3/29/2007 - Some kids may need cholesterol drugs March 30, 2007—Doctors can safely consider using medication as part of a cholesterol treatment plan for some high-risk children, according to updated guidelines from the American Heart Association. The guidelines, which appear in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, apply to children at high risk for heart trouble due to factors such as familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol), diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, early heart attack or early stroke. According to the statement, research shows that the buildup of plaque on artery walls, called atherosclerosis, begins in childhood and progresses more rapidly for people with conditions such as hypercholesterolemia. Several drug trials have shown statins to be safe and effective in lowering cholesterol in these children, according to Brian McCrindle, M.D., head of the group that wrote the new guidelines. “If you lower cholesterol in these kids, you can improve the function of their arteries and reverse early atherosclerotic change,” said Dr. McCrindle. However, lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthful diet, are still considered to be the best way to address high cholesterol in most people. And some children who are overweight or obese and have higher-than-average cholesterol levels may not meet all of the criteria for taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, said Dr. McCrindle. Many risk factors, such as high blood pressure and elevated triglycerides, help determine whether a child or adolescent needs drug therapy. Treatment with statins is also accompanied by lifestyle changes. More research is needed on the effects of cholesterol drugs in children, particularly when the drugs are taken for a long time, according to the authors of the guidelines. Parents may want to talk to their child's doctor about cholesterol screening if they have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, or if the child is overweight. Back