Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Feeling Well Does Not Rule Out Cholesterol-Related Heart Risk
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.
High LDL-C, or “bad cholesterol,” can raise heart disease risk without noticeable symptoms.
Being young or fit does not eliminate the possibility of high cholesterol, particularly with family history or little exercise.
A cholesterol result considered normal against a broad population range may not reflect an individual’s risk or LDL-C target.
Regular lipid-profile tests can help identify cholesterol risks early.
Lifestyle changes and heart procedures such as stents or bypasses do not always remove the need for medical advice, screening, or cholesterol treatment.
- Who
- People concerned about cholesterol and heart disease; cardiologist Dr. Rajeev Menon discusses the risks.
- What
- The article explains five common misconceptions about LDL-C, cholesterol screening, lifestyle changes, and heart procedures.
- Where
- AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, is identified as Dr. Rajeev Menon’s workplace.
- Why
- High cholesterol can increase heart disease risk without obvious symptoms, so screening and individualized medical advice matter.
- 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.