Being Healthy Isn't Enough, Says Expert; Why Your Cholesterol Levels Still Deserve Attention?

Cholesterol is usually associated with higher levels that are detrimental to your overall health. It is a massive concern for those, especially those with poor dietary habits or those who lead a sedentary

lifestyle. However, it is commonly believed that those who look thin and lean and generally do not display any health issues are often considered to be healthy and thought to be safe from cholesterol issues. But doctors say even otherwise healthy individuals are not saved from risks associated with elevated cholesterol levels. Around 25 per cent of people with a normal BMI have cardiac issues like high blood pressure, high sugar levels, and high cholesterol levels. “In India, 31 per cent of people have high cholesterol, which is also one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide,” Dr Sandeep Chopra, Director Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, told Times Now. “The worrying fact is that 40 to 50 per cent of patients don’t know they are at risk until an event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. Early detection is the best defense. Those with a family history of premature heart disease or people with co-morbidities must be extra vigilant. LDL cholesterol quietly builds plaque in arteries, narrowing them over time and reducing blood flow to vital organs,” he added.

LDL cholesterol is the worst

LDL or low-density lipoprotein, commonly known as bad cholesterol, silently accumulates in the bloodstream and forms plaque, which causes blockage, leading to heart attacks or strokes. This condition is known as atherosclerosis, which often shows no symptoms and thus is a grave concern. This symptomless nature makes LDLC “a silent killer.” Symptoms, if they appear, include chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg cramps during exertion, but by then, damage is already significant. “Preventive health check-ups, adherence to doctor-prescribed therapies, and lifestyle modifications together form the backbone of cholesterol management,” said Dr Chopra.

What causes high LDL cholesterol?

According to Dr Chopra, issues like stress, sleeplessness, smoking, and poor eating habits are major contributors to high LDL cholesterol among Indians. “Even those who are not overweight or obese can have cholesterol problems due to genetics or underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism,” he added. Genetics plays an important role in cholesterol metabolism, as some individuals have inherently low HDL cholesterol or inefficient cholesterol clearance mechanisms, putting them at risk of LDLC buildup despite optimal lifestyle choices. When these aspects are ignored, they cause chronic inflammation. Due to inflammation, the body produces more LDL cholesterol as a response mechanism.

How to keep LDL cholesterol levels down and in control?

Regular exercise helps increase HDL cholesterol, considered good cholesterol, and improves overall cardiovascular health. However, it does not fully prevent LDLC accumulation in all individuals. Even elite athletes have been found to exhibit high LDL levels. Cardiac death (SCD) is the most common medical cause of sudden death in athletes. Age and hormonal changes also play a crucial role in impacting LDLC levels over time. As individuals age, their cholesterol levels tend to rise naturally due to reduced low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) activity and metabolic shifts. Men generally have higher cholesterol levels over the course of life. Women experience fluctuations in cholesterol levels due to hormonal changes associated with menopause. Estrogen regulates cholesterol levels, and when it declines post-menopause, it can lead to increased LDL cholesterol and heightened cardiovascular risk. Sometimes, during menopause, the LDLC levels in women do exceed those of men. “Incorporating lifestyle modifications beyond diet and exercise can help optimize cholesterol levels. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and having a good sleep cycle, can be made part of life. But all these factors are not a replacement for medication,” said Dr Chopra. Medicines are crucial for individuals with persistently high LDLC levels or those at high cardiovascular risk.