Doctors say screening should start at 18 because abnormal levels often go undetected, increasing of heart attacks.
Why are more and more young people having heart attacks? Since multiple factors cause cardiac disease, it is difficult to pinpoint one specific cause. However, one common factor in most cases is abnormal or high cholesterol levels, a fat-like substance made by the liver or found in certain foods.
Nearly 70 % of the patients aged 40 or below who come with a history of heart attack have abnormal cholesterol levels that are undetected. “The percentage of people with a history of heart attack having abnormal cholesterol cholesterol levels in the 40 to 60 years age group is almost 40%, and almost 30% in the age group of 60 to 80 years have abnormal cholesterol.”
THE GOOD, THE BAD:-
There are two main types of cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is considered to be ‘bad’ cholesterol because it clogs up arteries with plaque or fat deposits, while HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is called ‘good’ cholesterol because it acts like a scavenger, filtering the blood of excess fat and bad cholesterol thus providing some protection against heart disease.
Contrary to what people believe, eating high-cholesterol foods often has only a modest impact on cholesterol in the blood. The bigger culprits are foods with saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are easy to recognize as they are typically solids at room temperature. Trans fats (or trans fatty acids) are created in a process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. Another name for trans fats is partially hydrogenated oils. Both increase levels of bad cholesterol.
TEST YOUR LIPIDS:-
Researchers have found that the longer a person has high levels of LDL, the greater the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it often goes undiagnosed because high blood cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know whether you have it is to get your lipid profile done. According to these guidelines, LDL-/c levels should be reduced to below 70 mg/dL. Cholesterol screenings starting at the age of 18, alongside medication adherence and healthy lifestyle modifications, can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
THE THIRD GOOGLY:-
Doctors are recognizing the importance of a third type of cholesterol — lipoprotein (a). “It is well established that people who have already experienced CHD are at a very high risk of another event. “It may be more prudent to ensure optimum utilization of available drugs and lifestyle interventions to reduce the other known risk factors till novel therapies are made widely available at affordable prices.”
Controlling cholesterol levels is a multi-level approach beyond the use of medications alone. “While statins and other pharmacologic treatments are critical, long-term cholesterol management needs lifestyle interventions. A diet rich in soluble fiber such as oats, beans, and fruits, coupled with the healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can improve lipid profiles. Regular physical activity — aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week — plays a crucial role in raising HDL and lowering LDL.”
Giving up smoking leads to significant improvements in lipid levels and overall heart health. These lifestyle strategies not only help in managing cholesterol levels but also have broader implications for cardiovascular health, including the reduction of arterial plaque and prevention of heart disease.
