Cholesterol Screening at an Earlier Age

This recent article in the NY Times points out that pediatricians are beginning to recommend aggressive cholesterol screening for children as early as eight years old. Many experts claim that signs of heart disease show up early in kids, especially when 30 percent of the nation’s children are obese and overweight.

Previously, cholesterol lowering drugs were recommended for children above the age of 10, and only if they fail to lose weight during a 6-12 month period. But now according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cholesterol drugs might be our youth’s best hope in preventing heart disease. Screenings are highly recommended for those who have a family history of high cholesterol levels. Even though children will now undergo drug treatment at an earlier age, the first goal will still be to lower bad cholesterol through diet and a rigorous exercise program.

FDA Urges Longer Testing Periods for Diabetes Drugs

The NY Times reports in a recent article that Diabetes drugs must face tougher safety standards that protect patients from heart risks associated with these drugs. The FDA has voted 14-2 to prolong trial study time to assure that diabetic drugs do not carry risks of heart problems.

This concern on diabetic drugs came about shortly after the FDA was criticized for handling the release of the GlaxoSmithKline pill. The drug was released in 1999, but only last November was a warning issued about potential heart risks. The problem lies in the testing phase; it takes nearly five to seven years to complete. Studies should begin way before drugs are submitted to the FDA, and finished shortly after its release.