Khaberni - High cholesterol is known as "the silent killer" because it often sneaks into the body without symptoms, causing sudden heart attacks and strokes.
In this regard, Dr. Oliver Gutman, a cardiologist at "Wellington" Hospital in London for the "Telegraph", corrects 8 common myths that may prevent many from taking necessary preventive actions.
The first myth: "If my total cholesterol is good, I'm fine"
Dr. Gutman confirms that the total number is not enough. What is important is the ratio and division; the total cholesterol might be normal, but the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) are very high compared to low "good" cholesterol (HDL), which poses a significant risk to arteries.
The second myth: "I'm thin and athletic, so I don't suffer from cholesterol"
Being thin is not immunity. Cholesterol is affected by how the liver functions, genes, and the type of food, not just the quantity. He sees many athletes suffering from arterial blockages due to an excess of saturated fats found in butter, pastries, and processed meats.
The third myth: "I checked my cholesterol years ago, and the results were excellent"
Levels change with age, especially in women after menopause where "bad" cholesterol increases by 23% due to hormonal changes. Also, medical recommendations have become "stricter" in treatment than they were in the past.
The fourth myth: "I'm young, in my thirties, cholesterol doesn't threaten me"
There is what is known as "familial hypercholesterolemia," a genetic disorder that causes high levels from birth. If there is a family history of early heart attacks, it is advisable to get tested in your twenties to avoid sudden disasters.
The fifth myth: "Good cholesterol (HDL) is always beneficial"
Although generally "good", recent research indicates that a very high increase in (HDL) could be an indicator of a functional disorder preventing it from performing its role in cleaning the arteries. Science is still discovering the complexities of these proportions.
The sixth myth: "Eating eggs shoots cholesterol up immediately"
This is one of the most widespread myths. Gutman explains that dietary cholesterol (like in eggs) has little effect on blood cholesterol compared to saturated fats. In fact, eating 1-6 eggs a week could be good for the heart in a balanced diet.
The seventh myth: "Since I'm taking medication (statins), I can eat whatever I want"
Medications are not "an open license" for unhealthy eating. Statins work by changing the lipid profile, but continuing a poor lifestyle (smoking, fat, inactivity) nullifies the hoped-for benefits of the treatment and increases the risks of attacks.
The eighth myth: "Diet alone is enough to treat cholesterol"
Despite the importance of diet, there is a limit to what can be achieved through diet alone. Some patients live a perfectly healthy life but their genes impose high cholesterol; in these cases, medication is a necessary life-saving measure.
