Abstract
This review examines the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among youth, the pros and cons of cholesterol screening among youth, cholesterol assessments of at risk youth, and the role of schools in cholesterol education and screening. Twenty percent of American youths have three or more CVD risk factors. One in four American youth qualify for cholesterol screening based on familial risk factors (FRF). Controversy exists in regard to screening all youths for hypercholesterolemia, or only those with FRF. Many parents/guardians and youths do not have knowledge of FRF for CVD, and FRF are not always associated with high cholesterol. A comprehensive review of cholesterol screening studies of at risk youth, applying the National Cholesterol Education Program's cut-off level for high cholesterol, reveals that screening based on FRFs failed to identify almost 90 percent of youths with hypercholesterolemia. Universal cholesterol screening among youth is essential in reducing premature CVD in the entire population. This goal can be obtained through school-based cholesterol screening and prevention of hypercholesterolemia within the framework of a comprehensive school health program.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
