Growth patterns of hyperlipidemic children enrolled in a preventive cardiovascular health clinic

The objective of this study was to assess growth patterns of hyperlipidemic children enrolled in a preventive cardiovascular health clinic. A retrospective chart review of hyperlipidemic children enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Health Clinic for the Young was performed. All participants were counseled to eat an American Heart Association Step-One Diet and exercise regularly. Weight and height were measured every 3 months. Growth was assessed using attained heights and weights and body-mass index Z scores compared to standard distributions for North American children. Sixty-three patients (33 males and 30 females) were enrolled in the study. Mean age at clinic entrance was 7.8 +/- 3.5 years (range: 2 to 16 years). We conclude that participation in a preventive health clinic is generally safe for hyperlipidemic children. However, medical management of hyperlipidemic children must include meticulous surveillance to detect the infrequent occurrence of excessive weight loss or weight stabilization resulting from inappropriate response to dietary counseling.