Cardiologist warns: Slim appearance doesn’t guarantee healthy cholesterol
A cardiologist tells whether a thin person can have high cholesterol (photo: Freepik)
Many believe that high cholesterol is a problem only for people who are overweight. But as it turns out, even patients who appear thin can have dangerous levels of "bad" cholesterol, Ukrainian cardiologist Nataliia Ivaniuk states. Why does this happen and how to detect the problem in time – in the material below.
What is worth knowing
According to the doctor, cholesterol is not always "bad." It is necessary for the body for the functioning of cells, hormones, and even the brain. But its excess is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Many believe that high cholesterol occurs only in people with excess weight – and this is not so.
A person of healthy weight can have a very high level of "bad" cholesterol, especially if there is hereditary predisposition, poor nutrition, little physical activity, or chronic stress.
"Even a slim girl or guy who weighs no more than 50 kg can have a very bad lipid profile, that is, elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood. For example, if a person does not have excess weight, but eats fast food, moves little, smokes, and has chronic diseases – these will provoke increased cholesterol," the doctor explained.
Therefore, the only way to determine your level is to undergo a blood test for a lipid profile.
It is worth monitoring both your external and internal health.
The main threat is that elevated cholesterol levels do not cause noticeable symptoms. That is, a patient does not come to the doctor complaining of high cholesterol. Patients do not perceive it and cannot be assessed visually without any examinations or studies.
Once every few years, a cardiologist recommends checking your cholesterol level.
How to avoid an increase in cholesterol levels
To avoid an increase in cholesterol levels, it is important to make changes to lifestyle and nutrition.
Eat a balanced diet
Limit the consumption of saturated fats – they are found in fatty meat, butter, sour cream, cheeses, sausages. Avoid trans fats – in fast food, margarine, store-bought baked goods. Consume more fiber – vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, legumes.
Reduce your consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, as they can also impact cholesterol levels.
Physical activity
Regular physical exercise, performed for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, helps increase "good" cholesterol and reduce "bad" cholesterol.
Weight control
Excess weight contributes to an increase in cholesterol, especially the "bad" one.
Giving up smoking and alcohol
Smoking lowers the level of good cholesterol and harms the blood vessels. Alcohol – in excessive amounts increases total cholesterol, although small doses of red wine may have benefits – but this is individual and with caution.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
