Dyslipidemia in children: diagnosis, evaluation, and management

Atherosclerosis begins in youth and is directly linked to the presence and severity of cardiovascular risk factors, including dyslipidemia. Timely identification and management of dyslipidemia in childhood can slow atherosclerotic progression and decrease risk for future cardiovascular disease, especially in children with a genetic disorder predisposing to dyslipidemia (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia, which is frequently undiagnosed). Existing screening strategies can identify cases of paediatric dyslipidemia effectively but should be conducted both earlier and more broadly. Evaluating for secondary causes of dyslipidemia in children, including medication use and systemic disorders, is essential. First-line therapy centres on lifestyle modifications and dietary changes specific to the dyslipidemia phenotype. Indications for medication depend on the severity of dyslipidemia and assessment for cardiovascular risk on an individual basis.