In late 2011, concern that a generation of children is growing up with already established heart risks prompted federal health officials with the support of the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend universal cholesterol screening for kids, preferably between ages 9 and 11.
The Taskforce also expressed support for a halt in the increase in obesity and reductions in saturated fat intake, cholesterol, and alcohol (when excessive).
Schering and Merck have defended the drugs by pointing to the mountains of evidence that support the idea that lowering low-density lipoprotein, commonly known as LDL or "bad cholesterol, " prevents heart attacks.