Title First-year findings on dyslipidaemia screening in Lithuanian children: a focus on cardiovascular risk /
Authors Kinčinienė, Odeta ; Žekonis, Matas ; Sutkus, Viktoras ; Vankevičienė, Ramunė ; Parnarauskienė, Justė ; Petrulionienė, Žaneta ; Aliošaitienė, Urtė ; Čerkauskienė, Rimantė
DOI 10.3390/medicina61040615
Full Text Download
Is Part of Medicina.. Basel : MDPI AG. 2025, vol. 61, iss. 4, art. no. 615, p. [1-10].. eISSN 1648-9144
Keywords [eng] dyslipidaemia ; familial hypercholesterolaemia ; risk factor ; body composition ; physical activity ; children
Abstract [eng] Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Lithuania, with familial hypercholesterolemia being a significant risk factor. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among healthy children and the relation with risk factors for familial hypercholesterolaemia. Materials and Methods: This study involved 127 children, aged 5 to 10 years, with a focus on the early identification of dyslipidaemia and familial hypercholesterolaemia. The relationship between body composition, dietary habits, physical activity, and dyslipidaemia was researched and statistically assessed. Results: Standard lipid profile analysis revealed that approximately one-third of participants had abnormal lipid profiles. Elevated total cholesterol (TC) was found in 19 participants (15%), elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in 24 participants (18.9%), elevated triglycerides (TGs) in 19 participants (15%), and reduced HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) in 9 participants (7.1%). Risk for familial hypercholesterolaemia was suspected for 12 participants with LDL-C elevated more than 4 mmol/L or family history of FH. While no significant link was found between dyslipidaemia and body composition, low levels of physical activity were associated with increased total cholesterol levels, suggesting a protective role for regular exercise. Dietary habits, including vegetable, sweet, and flour product consumption, did not show a significant association with dyslipidaemia. Conclusions: Dyslipidaemia is fairly common among Lithuanian children. Although this study does not show a significant effect of diet or body composition on lipid levels, it links low levels of physical activity to higher triglyceride values. Due to risk factors not always being present in children with dyslipidaemia, it should not be ruled out in apparently healthy children.
Published Basel : MDPI AG
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description