Millions of Americans use statins to lower their cholesterol, but now the American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that children as young as 8 should be put on the drugs if they’re at risk for heart disease. While some insist that this can promote long-term health, others warn of serious potential dangers. Can statins save your child’s life, or should kids stick to Flintstones vitamins?
Medical College of Georgia
Pharmacological intervention is recommended for children greater than 8y of age based on published LDL concentrations. In younger children, pharmacologic intervention should be implemented if they have dramatic elevations of LDL cholesterol or other risk factors. There are few studies of such intervention in children. Some studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of available agents in children between 8 and 10 y of age. Statins have been shown to be safe and effective in lowering cholesterol concentrations.
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