The most popular myths about cholesterol

Cholesterol is often considered highly harmful, but in itself is essential for the proper functioning of our body. Only too high cholesterol in the blood can negatively affect our health. Many myths have arisen about cholesterol. However, for the sake of our health, we should not be guided by them.

Cholesterol, along with other substances such as fat and calcium, builds up in plaques on the walls of your arteries. Over time, this causes blood vessels to narrow and can lead to complications including stroke and heart attack. However, cholesterol occurs naturally in our body. Cholesterol is present in the structure of cell membranes and is also an essential source in the production of steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acid. Although high cholesterol is a factor in many diseases, our body would not be able to function normally without it.

MYTH: Cholesterol is bad

Cholesterol that occurs naturally in our body is not bad, only its excess adversely affects our health. To determine whether cholesterol is harmful to your health, you should also focus on how it is transported. Cholesterol is carried around the body by lipoproteins, which are substances composed of fat and protein. This transportation takes place in two main ways. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol from the liver into the cells, where it is used in several processes. LDL is often called the “bad” cholesterol because high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it transports it back to the liver. There, cholesterol is removed from the body, thus reducing cardiovascular risk.

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MYTH: I have a healthy weight so I cannot have high cholesterol

According to Dr. Robert Greenfield of MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Orange Coast Medical Center, California, weight is not a determinant of cholesterol levels. – Cholesterol balance is really a function of what we eat, but also of our genetics. For example, a person may be born with a genetic tendency to inefficiently process cholesterol, he explains.

Dr. Edo Paz, cardiologist and medical vice president at K Health confirms this thesis: “Even if you have a healthy weight, your cholesterol may be abnormal. Other factors that affect your cholesterol include the foods you eat, exercise habits, and whether you smoke and how much alcohol you drink.

MYTH: I would have symptoms if I had high cholesterol

In most cases, high cholesterol does not cause symptoms. Therefore, periodic blood tests are recommended to test for high cholesterol.

Cholesterol tests should be carried out prophylactically – once a year, especially after the age of 40. Buy the Lipid Profile package – cholesterol tests at Medonet Market.

MYTH: If I eat a lot of cholesterol, I’ll have high cholesterol

With this myth, the problem is a bit more complex than you might expect. Consumed cholesterol does not necessarily correlate directly with cholesterol levels. Eating sugars [or] simple carbohydrates can result in higher cholesterol levels, even if someone is not high in cholesterol, explains Dr. Alexandra Lajoie, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California. Dr. Lajoie also explains that people with an active lifestyle are less likely to deal with the problem of high cholesterol.

MYTH: Everyone should pursue the same cholesterol goals

For people who have not had any cardiovascular problems so far, LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 milligrams per deciliter. In contrast, people who have diabetes, have had a heart attack or stroke, should have LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg / dL. Dr. Paz explains: – Your target cholesterol level depends on whether you have a history of certain conditions – such as heart attacks and strokes – and the risk of developing these problems, which depends on factors such as age and high blood pressure.

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MYTH: Only men have to worry about cholesterol

This is another false myth. It is most likely due to the fact that women often develop heart disease later than men. – According to CDCTrusted Source, between 2015 and 2018, the prevalence of high total cholesterol in adults in the US was 11,4%. When comparing men versus women, the incidence of high total cholesterol was 10,5 percent. in men and 12,1 percent. in women, explains Dr. Paz.

MYTH: I can’t do anything about cholesterol

Fortunately, this is not true. In order to lower cholesterol, in addition to taking medications, it is worth introducing a healthy weight, exercising, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

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MYTH: I take statins so I can eat whatever I want

Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol, but are not weight loss drugs. Dr. Greenfield is committed to treating your body with respect and keeping your body in good health.

– If you eat what you want and don’t burn excess calories, you will gain weight. When you gain weight, especially around your belly, you may develop a condition called metabolic syndrome.

MYTH: I’m under 40 so I don’t need to control my cholesterol

While there is some debate about when to begin screening for high cholesterol, many societies such as AHATrusted Source recommend screening as early as the age of 20, explains Dr Paz. Especially in the case of a rich family history of diseases, it is worth checking and taking care of the condition of your blood vessels.