High cholesterol is concerning for anyone, but especially when it occurs in children. Here is a look at what it is and what can be done about it.

High cholesterol – what is it?

High cholesterol happens when you have an excessive amount of cholesterol in your blood. There are many factors, from genetics, lifestyles, and diseases that can cause it, but all of them put you at an increased risk of having heart problems. It has been linked to heart attacks and stroke. Basically, over time the excess cholesterol starts to line the walls of your arteries. This can slow down or even stop the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.