Reference values and tracking of blood lipid levels in childhood

A review of literature findings substantiated that a positive correlation exists between total cholesterol level and saturated fatty acid intake in young children and that risk factors for coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis are more prevalent in children of parents with premature myocardial infarction compared with those of unaffected fathers. Based on these results, it is recommended that pediatricians track children who are determined to be in upper lipid level percentiles in follow-up measurements of body weight (vs. height), skinfold thickness, blood pressure, and other clinical indicators (especially for children determined or suspected to be at high risk). (wz)