Teenage son has high cholesterol

My husbands side of the family has a genetic dispostion to have high cholesterol and naturally I had it 90+ lbs ago.
I am now off my medicine but my husband has started on lipids. He's of normal weight 175-180.
So, for my son's 16 year old physical check up I requested a cholesterol check.
So it came back high.Total 223 up from 191 and his LDL 156 up from 120. I have to make an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist. He is active, plays/practice baseball  all year round. He is a good eater, like veggies, fruit and we eat a lot of fish and chicken.
I do feel a lot of it is genetic. Oh well, just another bump in the road of parenthood.

Mary

my son has also had high cholesterol since his late teens.  he is in his early 30's now and his doc has him on a mild cholesterol med.  he is doing fine with it, and prob would do better if he lost a few pounds, but i swore not to nag him the way my mom nagged me my whole life

i would not stress to much, just get him checked out and if its a genetic thing, there is not much to do, except be watchful as he continues to grow into adulthood

the fact that he is active and eats well is a plus

good luck, hugs, jacki

Mary,

Glad you are getting him checked out!      It's hard to believe that with his life style that it could be high.   Those darn family things we get from our parents and give to our kids.     

My dad being a runner has always made me thing he's so healthy but he's has  had problems with his cholesterol also.   

I think we are lucky that the Dr.'s are now checking this in our kids. 

Those of us in the van that had the pleasure of meeting your family will say you have one very nice & good looking  family.

Hugs,
Melissa

My son also. Genetic dispositon both sides of the family.

Mary,

My daughter told me last year, that my grandson, who, at that time was 6, had high cholesterol,  unfortunately some people's bodies just naturally produce more of it, and it is genetic in part, but monitoring it is a good thing and hopefully there is something, other than medication to change it. . .

Take care, Laureen

So many kids have high cholesteral today. Thats that damm genetic thing. I guess while I'm at it I should have my daughter checked out too. Since she is adopted we have no idea about her genetic background.

I haven't told DS about the results yet. He stared mid-terms today and I didn't want him worrying about it right now. After I get a doctors appointment then I'll tell him. He's a worrier when it comes to his health.

I'm trying to get him a cardiologist appointment now. I called one and its about 45 minutes away and they only see new patients at 9am.  I'd have to leave here about 7am in rush hour to get there on time.
I just talked to a friend of mine from the hospital I worked at to see if she knows of any cardiologists there that would see a teenager. She gave me a number to call.
I'm not too worried. I know he's generally in good health and does eat a good varied diet and is active. I just want to get him checked out and see what our next move should be.

Mary

Sounds like your son's lifestyle is sound.  You were smart to ask for the test.  I have a friend whose cholesterol was over 300 and she eats well and exercises often.   Genetics is a powerful thing.  At least your son and my friend don't have to struggle to adopt a healthy life style.....they already have that.  It is my understanding that they are finding children as young as pre-schoolers with high cholesterol due to busy moms and dads relying on fast food for most of their meals.  Good luck with your search for a doctor.  

Paul

Thanks for all the great information. I have looked at some of it and bookmarked it to look at the rest of it later. I think I'll be getting my husband on some of the supplements as well as myself and son. My cholesterol went from the 260's to 106 since WLS. I am off all my meds for that and high blood pressure.
I talked to my son today when he came home from school. He's not a happy camper but he is old enough to learn the facts and what he needs to do to help himself in the long run.
Now, time for the after school snack before he goes to baseball practice for 2 1/2 hours tonight.

Mary