New Study Shows Cholesterol in Youths May Be an Indicator of Future Heart Disease

Cholesterol Isn’t an “Old Person” Problem

The study in question followed thousands of children and adolescents over several decades. Researchers tracked their cholesterol levels from youth into adulthood, then examined who later developed heart disease. Those with elevated cholesterol early in life were far more likely to have coronary artery disease, hardened arteries, or heart attacks later on. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol builds up over time. If it starts accumulating early, that timeline speeds up. By the time someone becomes a patient in a heart doctor’s office, the damage may have already been brewing for decades. What’s new and noteworthy is how early this risk begins and how little most families realize it. Many pediatric check-ups don’t screen for cholesterol unless there’s a known family history. That means thousands of children with borderline or elevated levels are slipping through the cracks.

The “In-Between” Years

One of the most overlooked windows for prevention is between the ages of 9 and 19. These are the years when kids begin to make independent choices about food, activity, and lifestyle. It's also a critical period for the body’s development. Hormonal changes can impact lipid levels, and early signs of insulin resistance or weight gain can emerge. Unfortunately, these years are also when poor habits can take root. Fast food, sugary drinks, and long hours of screen time have become the norm for many teens. Combine that with a lack of routine physical activity, and you have a recipe for long-term cardiovascular issues. It’s important for families to take an honest look at their routines.

Why Early Screening Matters More Than Ever

Routine cholesterol screening in children isn’t universally mandated, but more heart doctors and pediatricians are advocating for it. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening once between ages 9 and 11 and again between 17 and 21. Still, many providers don’t push for it unless there are symptoms or a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease. By the time high cholesterol is showing up as a clinical concern in an adult, years of damage may have already occurred. Early screening offers a chance to intervene long before any signs of disease appear. If your family has a history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, consider speaking to a cardiologist even before issues arise.

Small Steps Can Lead to Long-Term Protection

The good news is that cholesterol in youth doesn’t automatically equal future heart disease. There’s plenty that can be done to lower risk, especially when caught early. Lifestyle changes have a profound effect on cholesterol, and younger bodies often respond more quickly and more dramatically than older ones. Here are a few foundational steps: