Children being prescribed statins in US as young as 8
July 13, 2008 by Kendra James, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Leading US doctors are saying that children as young as 8 should receive statins as a course of treatment for high cholesterol. Currently in many places such as the UK kids with a rare gene fault are being prescribed statins but US pediatricians are taking it one step further.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, believes that the drugs, which are used by millions of adults worldwide, could benefit thousands more children who are already obese, or showing signs of high blood pressure or type II diabetes.
Many UK docs do not agree with this decision and state that this is being used in place of a good diet and exercise. What do you think- would you place your child on a statin or is your child already taking a cholesterol lowering medication?
via BBC
