A big study in England that screened thousands of babies for high cholesterol and genes that can cause early heart disease found the condition is twice as common as has been believed.
Researchers say the results may convince more parents to agree to cholesterol testing, which an expert panel in the United States recommends between the ages of 9 and 11.
The study found that for every 1,000 people screened, four children and four parents were identified as being at risk for early heart disease. Early detection gives them a chance to take preventive medicines.
The New England Journal of Medicine published the study on Wednesday.
