Red flags & when to go in person for High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia) - Follow-up

Audience: pediatric

High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, means having too much fat in the blood. In children, it can increase the risk of heart problems later in life. Regular follow-up is important to keep track of cholesterol levels and overall health. Telemedicine can help with routine check-ins, discussing lifestyle changes, and medication questions. However, some signs mean your child should be seen in person by a healthcare provider. These include chest pain, unexplained fainting, or severe side effects from medicines. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps keep your child safe and healthy. This guide explains the red flags to watch for, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for and follow up after virtual visits.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or tightness — seek in-person care immediately.
• Unexplained fainting or dizziness — go to a healthcare facility promptly.
• Severe muscle pain or weakness while on cholesterol medication — consult in person without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing cholesterol test results and trends.
• Reviewing diet and lifestyle changes.
• Answering questions about medications and side effects.
• Providing general education about high cholesterol management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluating chest pain or fainting episodes.
• Diagnosing or treating severe side effects from medications.
• Performing physical exams or urgent lab tests.
• Managing emergency symptoms or complications.

What is High Cholesterol in Children?

High cholesterol means there are too many fats called lipids in the blood. In children, this can be due to family history, diet, or other health conditions. High cholesterol may not cause symptoms but can lead to heart disease over time. Doctors usually check cholesterol with a blood test during follow-up visits.

When to Use Telemedicine for Follow-Up

Telemedicine visits are useful for discussing your child's test results, reviewing diet and exercise plans, and managing medications. These visits can save time and help you ask questions without going to a clinic. Your healthcare provider can guide you on how often to have these virtual check-ins.

Red Flags: When to Go In Person

Some signs mean your child needs to be seen in person quickly:

If any of these happen, seek in-person care promptly.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After the visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List all current medications and doses.
• Write down any new symptoms or concerns.
• Prepare questions about your child's health and treatment.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with reliable internet.
• Have recent cholesterol test results available if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow dietary and medication advice given during the visit.
• Schedule recommended lab tests or follow-up appointments.
• Watch for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep a health diary of cholesterol levels and symptoms.
• Contact your healthcare provider if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for my child's high cholesterol?

Telemedicine is helpful for routine follow-ups and questions but cannot replace all in-person visits. Physical exams, blood tests, and urgent care need to be done face-to-face.

What symptoms mean I should take my child to see a doctor right away?

If your child has chest pain, unexplained fainting, severe muscle pain from medicines, or sudden behavior changes, seek in-person care immediately.

How often should my child have cholesterol checked?

Your healthcare provider will recommend how often to check cholesterol based on your child's age, health, and family history. This is often every 6 to 12 months during follow-up.

Can lifestyle changes really help lower my child's cholesterol?

Yes, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight often help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health in children.

What should I do if my child has side effects from cholesterol medicine?

Report any muscle pain, weakness, or other side effects to your healthcare provider promptly. Some side effects require in-person evaluation and possible medication changes.

Sources

1. High Cholesterol in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Cholesterol Management in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Hyperlipidemia in Children — Mayo Clinic.
4. High Cholesterol Facts — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child experiences any urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.