GROWTH-PATTERNS OF HYPERLIPIDEMIC CHILDREN ENROLLED IN A PREVENTIVE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH CLINIC

The objective of this study was to assess growth patterns of hyperlipi demic children enrolled in a preventive cardiovascular health clinic. A retrospective chart review of hyperlipidemic children enrolled in th e Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Health Clinic for the Young was performed . All participants were counseled to eat an American Heart Association Step-One Diet and exercise regularly Weight and height were measured every 3 months. Growth was assessed using attained heights and weights and body-mass index Z scores compared to standard distributions for N orth American children. Sixty-three patients (33 males and 30 females) were enrolled in the study. Mean age at clinic entrance was 7.8 +/- 3 .5 years (range: 2 to 16 years). We conclude that participation in a p reventive health clinic is generally safe for hyperlipidemic children. However, medical management of hyperlipidemic children must include m eticulous surveillance to detect the infrequent occurrence of excessiv e weight loss or weight stabilization resulting from inappropriate res ponse to dietary counseling.