The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Screen cholesterol after age 2 but no later than age 10 for children with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

• The best method for testing is fasting lipid profile.

• If a child's values are normal, the test should be repeated in three to five years.

• For children over age 8 with high LDL concentrations, cholesterol-reducing medications should be considered.

• Younger patients should focus on weight reduction, increased activity and diet.

• Children as young as 1 year old with weight concerns should use reduced-fat dairy products such as 2 percent milk.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics