Major Research Findings

Various research has investigated the causes and countermeasures of high cholesterol in children and adolescents. These studies have revealed various factors related to high cholesterol, such as genetic factors, lifestyle, and environmental factors. For example, shows that genetic factors for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are an important cause of high cholesterol in Portuguese clinical FH patients. Also, suggests that the prevalence of lifestyle diseases is high in specific regions based on a study of disease burden and risk factors in each state of India. Furthermore, 4 shows that the relationship between serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome in juvenile obesity is dependent on gender. These research findings indicate that it is important to consider genetic factors, lifestyle, and environmental factors in the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol in children and adolescents.

Reasons for the Causes

There are various causes of high cholesterol in children and adolescents, but the main causes include genetic factors, diet, lack of exercise, and environmental factors.

Common Causes

Genetic Factors

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by markedly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and premature coronary heart disease. , 5 , , 3 FH is caused by mutations in genes involved in LDL cholesterol metabolism. FH genes are found in various genes, including LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9. FH patients are diagnosed through genetic testing. FH patients often have a family history of hypercholesterolemia, and if there is a family history, it is recommended to undergo genetic testing.

Diet

High-fat, high-cholesterol, and high-carbohydrate diets can increase the risk of high cholesterol in children and adolescents. , , Diets high in saturated fatty acids, trans fats, and cholesterol can increase LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, diets high in unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber can increase HDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important for children and adolescents to eat a balanced diet that considers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lack of Exercise

Lack of exercise can increase the risk of high cholesterol in children and adolescents. Lack of exercise can lead to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Children and adolescents should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. It is important to choose exercises that children enjoy.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also affect high cholesterol in children and adolescents. For example, air pollution can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Children and adolescents are susceptible to the effects of air pollution, so in areas with high air pollution, it is necessary to take measures such as limiting outdoor activities and wearing masks.

Countermeasures

Genetic Factors

If FH is diagnosed through genetic testing, it is important to undergo genetic counseling. Genetic counseling will provide detailed explanations of the mechanisms of genes, the mode of inheritance of FH, the results of genetic testing, treatment options for FH, and the genetic risk to family members. Treatment options for FH include diet therapy, exercise therapy, and drug therapy. 5 , FH patients need to actively seek treatment to reduce their LDL cholesterol levels to their target levels.

Diet

It is important for children and adolescents to eat a balanced diet. , Specifically, it is advisable to follow the following diet:

• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.
• Eat plenty of fish and soy products.
• Limit animal fats.
• Limit sugar.
• Limit processed foods.

Dietary therapy is very important in the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol in children and adolescents.

Lack of Exercise

Children and adolescents should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. It is important to choose exercises that children enjoy. For example, soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and dancing. Exercise improves cardiovascular function and helps with weight management. It also has a stress-relieving effect.

Environmental Factors

In areas with high air pollution, it is necessary to take measures such as limiting outdoor activities and wearing masks. Children and adolescents are susceptible to the effects of air pollution, so environmental issues should also be considered.

Comparison Between Studies

Similarities

Many studies have shown that genetic factors, diet, and lack of exercise are important factors related to high cholesterol in children and adolescents. , , 4 , 5 , , These factors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to improve these factors in the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol in children and adolescents.

Differences

Studies may differ in the factors they focus on and the research methods they use. For example, suggests that heavy metals, which are environmental factors, can affect obesity and cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. Also, suggests that periodontitis in patients with thalassemia major may affect blood lipid levels.

Notes on Application to Real Life

The findings of these studies provide important insights into the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol in children and adolescents. However, it is not always appropriate to apply these research findings directly to real life. This is because the circumstances of each child and adolescent are different, so appropriate measures need to be decided on a case-by-case basis. For example, even if FH is diagnosed through genetic testing, drug therapy may not always be necessary. If LDL cholesterol levels can be reduced to target levels with diet therapy and exercise therapy, drug therapy is not necessary. Also, it may be difficult to change one's living environment to reduce the impact of environmental factors. Even so, it is important to be aware of environmental issues and take the necessary steps to mitigate them as much as possible.

Limitations of Current Research

Current research still has many unknowns about the causes and countermeasures of high cholesterol in children and adolescents. For example, it is not yet fully understood how environmental factors affect high cholesterol in children and adolescents. Also, there is still debate about the most effective methods for preventing and treating high cholesterol in children and adolescents.

Future Research Directions

To further advance research on high cholesterol in children and adolescents, research is needed to elucidate the interactions of environmental factors, genetic factors, and lifestyle. Research is also needed to find more effective methods for preventing and treating high cholesterol in children and adolescents. By advancing these studies, it will be possible to protect the health of children and adolescents and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

High cholesterol in children and adolescents is caused by various factors, including genetic factors, diet, lack of exercise, and environmental factors. By improving these factors, it is possible to prevent high cholesterol in children and adolescents and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to take appropriate measures based on these research findings to protect the health of children and adolescents.