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Feeling Well Does Not Rule Out Cholesterol-Related Heart Risk

Feeling Well Does Not Rule Out Cholesterol-Related Heart Risk
When it comes to heart health, feeling good is not enough · thehansindia.com

High cholesterol can affect the heart without making a person feel sick.

That is why it is sometimes called a silent risk.

Young or fit people can still have high cholesterol, especially if heart disease runs in their family or they do not exercise.

A result described as normal may not be the right target for everyone.

A doctor can decide what LDL-C level is appropriate based on a person’s health and heart risk.

Regular blood tests can help find problems early.

Eating well, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight can help, but they may not be enough for everyone.

A doctor can advise whether medicine is needed.

A stent or bypass does not itself lower cholesterol.

Key facts

LDL-C
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly called “bad cholesterol.”
Symptoms
High cholesterol rarely has physical signs or symptoms, according to the article.
Risk assessment
An appropriate LDL-C target depends on a person’s cardiovascular risk and health profile.
Screening
Regular lipid-profile testing can help identify risks early.
Lifestyle
The article recommends limiting saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, increasing physical activity, and maintaining an optimal weight.
Procedures
Stents and bypass operations do not reduce cholesterol, according to the article.
Medical advice
A physician can advise whether cholesterol-lowering drugs are needed based on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.

Quotes

Dr. Rajeev Menon

Clinical Director and Head of Cardiology at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad

“The worst thing about high cholesterol is that it doesn’t give away many symptoms. It is what I call a silent risk”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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