Serum Lipids in Children and Adolescents with Family History of Coronary Artery Diseases

Lee, Kee Hyoung; Son, Chang Sung; Lee, Joo Won; Tockgo, Young Chang

Abstract

PURPOSE: Atherosclerotic change begins in childhood, elevated blood lipid levels and a family history of premature coronary vascular diseases are important risk factors for coronary artery disease. Identification, follow-up and treatment of children at high risk of cardiovascular diseases are very effective and important for prevention of future coronary artery diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine the relation between parental history coronary artery disease and lipid levels of children in Korea.
METHODS
As a cross sectional study, lipids and apolipoproteins were measured in 94 off-spring of patients diagnosed by coronary angiography as a myocardial infarction and an angina pectoris before the age of 55 years, the results were compared with those of 98 controls without family history of coronary artery diseases.
RESULTS
The mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, Apolipprotein B and Lipoprotein(a)(Lp(a)) were significantly higher in study group than in control group(p<0.01). The mean level of HDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in study group than in control group(p<0.05). Also, the percentage of children having abnormal lipid values(total cholesterol < or =200mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol < or =130mg/dl, Lp(a) < or =30mg/dl) were significantly higher in study group than in control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The children and adolescents whose parents suffered from early onset coronary heart diseases should be evaluated for lipids and lipoprotein levels to identify and to manage the high risk group for coronary artery disease.