Pediatric Lipid Disorders

Current scientific evidence has proven that atherosclerosis is a process that begins in childhood and tracks into adulthood, likely culminating in adverse cardiovascular events such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. In addition, the obesity epidemic and increasing awareness of genetic lipid disorders has made the understanding and management of lipid disorders necessary for pediatricians. Childhood offers a unique opportunity for preventing, modifying, or eliminating risk factors and, in doing so, reversing or slowing the process of atherosclerosis. In general, management involves targeted lifestyle interventions such as strict dietary changes and increases in physical activity. In some circumstances, pharmacotherapy, even in childhood, is warranted. [.