7 Myths surrounding High cholesterol

Cholesterol can be both good and bad, so it’s important to learn the facts about what cholesterol is, and how to manage your high blood cholesterol levels. Here are some common misconceptions surrounding high cholesterol.

• High cholesterol only happens to older adults;

Though high cholesterol levels are more prevalent in older adults, but they can occur in younger people too. In the era of fast food and play stations, high cholesterol may be noted in children as early as their preteens.

• Thin people don’t have to worry about high cholesterol;

Any type of body can have high cholesterol. Though overweight people are more likely to have high cholesterol levels, thin people should also have their blood levels checked regularly.

• I exercise a lot and am in good shape, so my cholesterol should be fine;

In addition to exercise, there are many other factors that affect blood cholesterol such as diet, weight, smoking, family history, age and sex. Although physical exercise plays a crucial role in lowering cholesterol levels and improving the overall fitness of heart and body, it is not the only end in lowering cholesterol.

• If my cholesterol levels are high, I will have to take medication;

Not necessarily. Depending upon the heath history and the cholesterol levels recorded, the physician will calculate the requirement of medication. Lifestyle modification is the first considered.

• Using margarine instead of butter will help lower cholesterol;

Both margarine and butter are high in fat, so use both in moderation. The major factor affecting the blood cholesterol levels is the quantity of saturated fat and trans fat consumed. So limiting intake of food high in saturated fat and trans fat may help lower cholesterol levels. When selecting a margarine, it’s best to choose one that reads ‘0g trans fat’ on the label.

• Women don’t have to worry about cholesterol. It’s a man’s problem;

Pre-menopausal women are usually protected from high LDL (bad) levels of cholesterol, because the female hormone estrogen tends to raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. But cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, so it’s important for post-menopausal women to get their cholesterol levels checked regularly.

• High cholesterol makes you feel sluggish and causes weight gain;

High cholesterol shows no symptoms. The only way to tell if one has higher cholesterol levels is through a blood test. Heart disease is potentially life threatening and most people are not even aware till they suffer their first heart attack.