1 in 250 Kids Born With Deadly Cholesterol—Here's How to Protect Them
One in every 250 children worldwide is born with dangerously high cholesterol due to genetic disorders. Without treatment, these youngsters face a 20 times greater risk of heart attacks or strokes in early adulthood. The condition, known as familial hypercholesterolemia, stems from faulty liver receptors that fail to regulate LDL cholesterol properly.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) causes the liver to remove less LDL cholesterol from the blood. Over time, excess LDL builds up in blood vessels, raising the risk of blockages. If untreated, this can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or circulation problems later in life.
Early detection plays a vital role in managing the condition. Doctors recommend checking family medical history to identify at-risk children sooner. Once diagnosed, lifestyle adjustments—such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking—help lower risks significantly.
Medications like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors are commonly prescribed to reduce LDL levels. Researchers are also exploring gene-based therapies as future treatment options. Combining medical care with healthy habits improves long-term outcomes for affected children.
Children with genetically high LDL cholesterol can reduce their risks through early diagnosis and consistent treatment. A mix of medication, diet, and physical activity helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Without intervention, the likelihood of serious heart problems in adulthood remains far higher than average.
