Silver Cross Obesity Medicine Physician Says Earlier Detection of Cholesterol Issues Can Help Prevent Heart Problems Down the Road

What if you knew in middle school about a health issue that could affect you in a decade or two? 

For the first time since 2018, a clinical guideline from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association for screening and managing blood cholesterol levels has been updated and jointly published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation. 

As well as recommending ways to lower LDL, i.e., “bad” cholesterol, the new guideline emphasizes the importance of earlier screenings for children as young as 9 years old, especially for those with a family history of heart disease, and more personalized risk estimations, such as for those with underlying medical conditions, to support shared decision-making between clinicians and patients. 

“Identifying potential cardiac issues as early as possible is critical,” said Dr. Haley Manning, a dual board-certified Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine physician with Silver Cross Medical Group, affiliated with Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. 

“Then, we can help the patient adjust their diets and other lifestyle choices, knowing that high cholesterol can contribute to major cardiac issues.” 

Cholesterol gets a bad rap, but we actually need some of the natural occurring waxy substance in all of our body’s cells to make hormones and Vitamin D, among other substances necessary to digest foods. 

The problem comes when we add to our body’s naturally sufficient supply by regularly ingesting cholesterol-rich foods such as meats, cheeses, processed foods and even flour tortillas. 

Even if you avoid these foods, genetic factors and health issues can cause a build-up of cholesterol that ultimately could cause clogged arteries, leading to heart problems or even death. 

“Genetics is one factor we take into account when considering a heart healthy plan at any age,” said Dr. Manning, who has treated patients as young as age 2. 

“Now, we also look at blood pressure, A1C, smoking and drinking habits, and even where a patient lives. We know that people who live in low-income areas are at higher risk for chronic health issues.” 

Dr. Manning recommends patients ask their personal physicians to schedule blood tests at least annually that measure cholesterol levels. Parents who are concerned about their child’s weight should ask their pediatricians, she added. 

“The parents of patients I have seen care very much about their children’s health,” Dr. Manning said. “This is another way to consider adjusting diet and exercise as well.” 

Maybe surprisingly to some, Dr. Manning said most of her pediatric patients are in some type of organized sports and not just sitting on the couch playing video games. 

“But that means we need to consider genetics and their diets to make sure their bodies aren’t producing too much cholesterol. 

“I think these new guidelines recommending earlier cholesterol testing are a great idea. Talk to your doctor or child’s pediatrician for a plan.”

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Manning, visit silvercrossmedicalgroup.org or call 815-300-7264.