Serum lipid levels in children and teenagers from Concepcion, Chile

Background: There is a relationship between serum lipid levels in children with those of adults. Preventive measures to reduce serum lipid levels should start in childhood. Aim: To study serum lipid levels in a representative sample of children and teenagers for Concepcion, Chile. Subjects and methods: Serum total, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in 1,286 males and 816 females from 5 to 18 years old in the city of Concepcion. Results: Mean total cholesterol levels were 159+/-30 and 162+/-31 mg/dl in males and females respectively. The figures for HDL cholesterol were 46+/-11 and 47+/-11 mg/dl, for LDL cholesterol were 94+/-27 and 96+/-29 mg/dl and for triglycerides were 80+/-35 and 87+/-38 mg/dl. Nine percent of males and 12% of females had a total cholesterol over 200 mg/dl. Likewise 10% of males and 11% of females had a LDL cholesterol over 130 mg/dl. Conclusions: These numbers will help to plan and perform interventions in children, in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases.