Question

B. A 12-year-old who weighs 200 pounds has been on a diet and exercise program for the past 6 months. His or her weight has not changed. Other vital signs include blood pressure 130/70 mm Hg, pulse 80, and respiratory rate (RR) 20 at rest. Family history does not include severe issues with cholesterol at young ages. A paternal uncle had a myocardial infarction last year at age 42. Both grandfathers died from strokes prior to age 65. The lipid profile shows low-density lipoprotein 200 and high-density lipoprotein 40. The mother wants "pills" to control the lipid levels. 1. Are statins given to children? 2. Would the gender of the patient make a difference? If so, in what way? 3. How would you classify this patient in terms of cardiğc risk?

Answer 1

1. Yes, statins are given to children. Food and drug administration (FDA) has approved the use of most of the statins for use in children who have genetic condition that cause high levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL). The patient in this case has high level of LDL even after maintaining healthy lifestyle, so, statins are option to control lipid levels in this patient.
2. Statins are effective and reduce mortality in both the sexes, but several studies has shown risk reduction is less in women than men.
3. The patient is at high cardiac risk, because of familial history of cardiovascular diseases. Also patient's present symptoms like high blood pressure and high LDL levels are also indicators of high cardiac risk.

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