A new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that one in five children ages 12 to 19 now have abnormal lipid levels—a telltale risk factor for the future onset of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among U.S. adults. Of the children in the study, nearly a third were overweight or obese, making them eligible for lipid screening under American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines based on their body mass index (BMI).

The AAP recommends cholesterol screening of children and adolescents with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. It also recommends screening patients whose family history is unknown or those who have other factors for heart disease, including obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes. That screening should take place after age two, but no later than age 10. For children who are older than eight and who have high LDL (bad) cholesterol, AAP says cholesterol-reducing medications should be considered. But lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about the best course of action.

For related information, see slower eating helps with child obesity, and more child health news.

—Artemis DiBenedetto