The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a recommendation for kids at high risk for early heart disease to be put on high-powered statin drugs to lower their cholesterol, but is it safe? 

Fourteen-year-old JP Silvestri may look young and healthy, but he's had high cholesterol for years. 

"At age two, his LDL's were 194, and his total cholesterol was 244," said Stacy Silvestri, JP's mother. 

Normal LDL levels for a two-year-old are less than 110 and total cholesterol less than 170.  JP's not overweight, but because of a family history of heart disease, his parents put him on a statin, a cholesterol-lowering drug typically used by adults. As the numbers of obese and overweight children soar, more are using statins. Doctors are at odds whether or not it's the best choice. 

"I think it's a good thing. We now know that if we don't intervene with these children, these high risk children are really at risk for early heart disease," said Dr. Janet Silverstein, pediatric endocrinologist.  

Not all doctors agree. 

"I don't agree with the recommendation of the American Pediatric Association to do a band-aid and to fix just the cholesterol, but I recommend a total lifestyle change for the family," said Dr. Marc Rose, ophthalmologist. 

There are no long-term studies on the effects of statins in children. In adults, they can cause nausea, kidney failure, muscle weakness, mental confusion, liver damage, and amnesia. but some kids, like JP, can't afford to wait for results of a study. 

"If it can save him from having heart disease in his 20s, 30s, or 40s, then it's the right thing to do," said Stacy Silvestri. 

JP's LDL levels are now down to 116. His total cholesterol is 140. So far, in the four years he's been on the drug, he's had no side effects. 

To keep your child's cholesterol levels in check, offer proteins such as salmon, beans, tofu and trout instead of red meat. Almonds are also good for lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol.