The origins of cardiovascular diseases reside in the childhood. The prevention of these diseases should therefore also start at an early age. The US recommendation for promoting children's cardiac health encourages to pay attention to living habits - non-smoking, healthy eating and adequate physical exercise. The recommendation also proposes the measurement of lipids from all children at the age of about 10 years. This has provoked discussion for and against - what would be the benefits and drawbacks of general screening.