Don't be fooled by the mirror: you can have a heart attack even if you are thin and have an active lifestyle. A cardiologist debunks the biggest myths about cholesterol
The classic image of the person vulnerable to a heart attack – overweight, sedentary and with a high-fat diet – does not always reflect the reality behind this risk. According to cardiologist Oliver Guttman, this perception can mislead many, notes Daily Mail Online.
A normal weight does not necessarily mean you have low cholesterol: PHOTO Shutterstock
The specialist points out that one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is high cholesterol, a problem that can also affect apparently healthy people with a normal weight.
The cardiologist states that physical shape or weight are not sufficient indicators of cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol is influenced by a combination of factors, from genetic predisposition to age, diet and intensity of physical activity. In addition, elevated levels do not cause obvious symptoms, which is why they are often discovered late.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with around 170,000 deaths a year, and high cholesterol is one of the contributing factors, the source said.
good cholesterol vs. bad cholesterol
Cholesterol is a lipid substance present in all body cells, but not all cholesterol is harmful:
HDL is the type of cholesterol considered “good” because it helps carry excess cholesterol to the liver, where it is eliminated.
The other type, LDL, called “bad cholesterol”, can deposit on the walls of the arteries, favoring their narrowing and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
That's why doctors analyze not only the total value, but also the ratio between HDL and LDL, as well as other factors such as blood pressure, family history, smoking or diabetes.
You can have high cholesterol even if you are thin
Many people believe that an active lifestyle and a normal weight automatically protect them from high cholesterol. But Oliver Guttman warns that things are not that simple and that some people naturally produce more cholesterol, regardless of weight.
Another important element is visceral fat, deposited around the internal organs, which can be present even in people with a thin figure. This type of fat is associated with increased LDL levels.
The only way to find out the cholesterol level is a blood test, recommended periodically for monitoring.
Are women less exposed? Not necessarily
Although women develop heart disease later than men, the risk increases significantly after menopause because the protection provided by estrogen decreases. Their symptoms may be different from what they have. generally men, which sometimes leads to delays in diagnosis.
Statins, between perception and reality
Statins are among the most widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs, but many people fear their side effects. However, clinical studies show that severe reactions are rare. Through regular monitoring and testing, doctors can tell when problems are occurring and adjust treatment.
The role of nutrition
Although drug treatments are effective, experts emphasize that nutrition remains important. Consuming soluble fiber (oats, legumes or certain grains) can help lower LDL levels. Recent research shows that introducing oatmeal into the diet can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol, especially in people with metabolic risk factors.
