This World Heart Day, let us focus on the key risk factors for heart disease and how we can mitigate them to improve overall health and well-being.
One major risk factor is high cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia. This condition occurs when there’s an excess of cholesterol, a fatty substance, in the blood. High cholesterol is often the result of unhealthy habits such as consuming too much saturated fat, lack of physical activity, smoking, and stress.
While older adults are more prone to high cholesterol due to the body’s reduced ability to eliminate it from the bloodstream, routine screening is essential for all age groups. Cholesterol testing shouldn't be limited to older adults; young people should also get screened regularly, and here's why.
Also Read: Are You Taking Statins For Cholesterol Management? Here Are Mistakes You Should Avoid
High Cholesterol Risk Among Young People![]()
Dr PLN Kaparathi, Cath Lab Director, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Care Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, said, “Many people assume that high cholesterol is a concern only for older adults, but young individuals can also develop elevated cholesterol levels, which can significantly impact their heart health. Genetic factors, such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, can increase the risk of high cholesterol in younger populations, making it essential to be vigilant. Approximately 25–30% urban and 15-20% rural young individuals are at risk of high cholesterol without even knowing it. In fact, 20% of young patients may not be aware of their cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of developing heart disease later in life."
In the past, studies have highlighted how high cholesterol levels can not only affect young individuals but also lead to long-term consequences, even if it's treated before age 30.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that those who had higher cholesterol levels at a younger age had a greater risk of heart disease, even if their overall cholesterol levels were similar to those who had higher levels later in life.
This highlights the importance of keeping cholesterol levels low from a young age to reduce the risk of heart disease. And to do so, screening plays a crucial role.
Why Cholesterol Screening Is Crucial For Young People![]()
According to Dr Kaparathi, young people should start getting their cholesterol levels checked as early as 18 years of age, especially if there are risk factors like family history or unhealthy lifestyle habits.
He notes that delaying cholesterol screening could lead to missed intervention opportunities in 1 in 250 cases, which can further lead to the silent buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks or strokes at a much younger age than expected.
Adding further, the doctor shares that it is important to have regular conversations with your doctor as well so that they can provide a personalised treatment plan based on one's lipid profile, risk factors, and other conditions.
Also Read: Signs In Your Legs You Shouldn't Ignore: High cholesterol and Peripheral Artery Disease
Lifestyle Changes Young People Should Start Following Now![]()
Early lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. This includes:
- Regular physical activity
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Eating healthy foods
- Avoiding unhealthy fats
- Maintaining a healthy weight
However, lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient, says Dr Kaparathi, adding that one needs to have their cholesterol levels checked frequently. All of these measures can significantly reduce the long-term risk of heart disease.