Many of patients in their early twenties do not realize they have elevated cholesterol until they receive their lipid profile data. Cholesterol has historically been linked to older age groups, but a concerning trend has developed in recent years: a considerable increase in cholesterol levels among the younger population. This silent health concern is frequently disregarded since high cholesterol rarely causes apparent symptoms until it is too late.
Most crucially, the cholesterol buildup could have started at a younger age, possibly in the teens, yet the patients did not notice anything unusual until they reached their 20s. That’s why so many young people report having heart attacks caused by plaques in their blood due to excessive cholesterol levels.
What exactly does cholesterol do, and what is the appropriate range?
The liver produces cholesterol, a waxy molecule that is required for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile salts, all of which aid digestion. It is carried by lipoproteins, specifically high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL, or “good cholesterol,” should be at least 50mg/dL. The level of LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” in your body should be kept low. LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL in Indians, who are more susceptible to heart disease than other groups. An LDL reading of 130 to 159 mg/dL is classified as “borderline high,” 160 to 189 mg/dL is “high,” and a reading of 190 mg/dL or more is deemed.
What triggers an increase in cholesterol in young people?
This is related to lifestyle and nutritional decisions, which began with that packet of chips in your childhood. In recent decades, the consumption of junk food and fast food heavy in saturated and trans fats has increased dramatically. Unhealthy eating habits, paired with a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity, create the ideal conditions for cholesterol buildup in the body. As a result, your liver is unable to process or drain away the excess fat. Furthermore, the availability of sugary drinks and snacks has resulted in increasing consumption of sugar-added foods, which might lead to high triglyceride levels and low HDL (good) cholesterol. This imbalance in cholesterol levels can greatly raise the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
A family history of diabetes or other conditions may also have an impact on your results. Diabetic dyslipidemia is a disorder that can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol while decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
The invisible threat
High cholesterol in young people is particularly alarming because it is asymptomatic. This creates a false sense of security, allowing the illness to continue unabated until major consequences occur.
High cholesterol can cause a slow development of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This narrowing of the arteries can reduce blood flow and raise the chance of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. LDL (bad cholesterol) causes long-term and irreparable damage to the arteries.
Early detection and preventive measures.
While high cholesterol can induce heart disease, the raised level itself produces no symptoms. That is why young adults aged 20 and up, even if they appear to be in good shape, should have their cholesterol evaluated every five years. And if they have a predisposition, they should monitor it every year.
Many people wrongly associate high cholesterol with obesity. Even slim persons can get high cholesterol. You may lower the chance of long by detecting excessive cholesterol levels early on, making suitable lifestyle changes, and, if required, seeking medical attention.
problems with terms: Prioritize eating a well-balanced diet that is high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Another important strategy for controlling cholesterol levels is to maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity. Furthermore, reducing alcohol intake and giving up smoking can both greatly enhance cardiovascular health.
If your readings are high enough to justify the use of statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications, changing your lifestyle can increase their effectiveness.
