Hyperlipidemia: clinical clues in the first two decades of life

The concept of prevention of arteriosclerosis as an important aspect of pediatrics is a relatively recent one. However, if one accepts that premature death from cardiovascular disease has assumed epidemic proportions in the United States and other western countries, the recognition and treatment of established arteriosclerosis risk factors at the earliest possible age are clearly warranted. Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, cigarette smoking and physical inactivity are all important; in this presentation we will discuss hyperlipidemia, clinical clues to its detection and a brief outline of the current management in our Lipid Research Referral Clinic.