title: Childhood cholesterol screening: an alternative view.
abstract: Controversy exists regarding universal cholesterol screening in children. No long-term evidence has proved that lowering childhood cholesterol levels prevents the development of coronary heart disease in adulthood. Furthermore, questions remain as to the effectiveness and safety of lipid-lowering diets in children. Even if future research shows that lipid-lowering diets are beneficial, children and their families may not be willing to comply with the prescribed regimen. A more sensible way to prevent coronary heart disease in adults may be by promoting a healthy lifestyle beginning in early childhood and including a balanced diet, weight control and exercise.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Oakland, California.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Schoen
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008403:Mass Screening; D010349:Patient Compliance
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL