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Primary care physicians and children's blood cholesterol
S Y Kimm1, G H Payne, E Lakatos
1Department of Clinical Epidemilogy & Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261.
Preventive Medicine
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Most primary care physicians recognize childhood high cholesterol
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- A national survey revealed that 62% of physicians believe childhood high cholesterol impacts future heart disease risk.
- Physicians also acknowledged the significant impact of hypertension, smoking, and diabetes on long-term cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physician awareness and management practices regarding childhood hypercholesterolemia.
- To identify factors influencing the treatment of high cholesterol in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A national survey was conducted among primary care physicians treating children under 18.
- Data collected included physician beliefs about cholesterol's impact, screening practices, and treatment modalities for hypercholesterolemia.
Main Results:
- While routine cholesterol screening in young children was uncommon, 72% of physicians screened high-risk children.
- Nondrug therapies, such as low-saturated fat diets, were common, but lipid-lowering drugs were used by only 12% of physicians.
- Physician specialty, practice type, and patient age influenced treatment decisions.
Conclusions:
- Physicians generally understand the importance of addressing high cholesterol in children for long-term heart health.
- Current management practices vary, with a preference for nondrug interventions, but factors like physician specialty and practice setting play a role in treatment decisions.