How early should parents start screening for high cholesterol in at-risk kids

For children at higher risk—such as those with a family history of early heart disease, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), or other risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or certain medical conditions—parents should start cholesterol screening as early as age 2.

Most children should have their first cholesterol test between ages 9 and 11 as part of universal screening recommendations, but those at increased risk require earlier intervention. Pediatricians may also recommend earlier screening if a child’s family health history is unknown or incomplete, or if the child has symptoms like high blood pressure or obesity.

Summary Table: Cholesterol Screening in Children Risk Status Recommended Age to Start Screening General population 9–11 years At-risk (family history, obesity, diabetes, etc.) As early as 2 years.