Slim but high cholesterol?

A heart specialist in the UK has warned that being slim or looking healthy does not mean your cholesterol levels are normal.

Experts say many people wrongly believe that high cholesterol only affects those who are overweight older or eat unhealthy foods.

In reality anyone can have high cholesterol.

Doctors describe high cholesterol as a “silent risk” because it often causes no symptoms for many years.

Without regular testing a person may not know they have it until it leads to serious health problems such as a heart attack stroke or blocked arteries.

Dr. Zoe Astroulakis, a consultant cardiologist at New Victoria Hospital in London said that exercising regularly eating a balanced diet or maintaining a healthy weight does not guarantee normal cholesterol levels.

According to Dr. Astroulakis the only reliable way to know your cholesterol level is through a blood test.  Some people live with high cholesterol for years without noticing any warning signs.

She also stressed that family history is an important risk factor. People whose close relatives have high cholesterol or heart disease may be more likely to develop the condition even if they feel completely healthy.

Experts explain that cholesterol is a fatty substance carried through the blood by different types of lipoproteins.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called “bad cholesterol” because it can build up inside the walls of arteries.

Over time this buildup narrows the arteries making it harder for blood to reach the heart and brain.

This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

On the other hand high density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good cholesterol.” It helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

When HDL levels are too low the body has a harder time clearing harmful cholesterol increasing the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.

Health experts recommend that everyone regardless of age body weight or fitness level should have their cholesterol checked from time to time.

Early testing can help detect problems before symptoms appear allowing people to make lifestyle changes or receive treatment if needed.

Experts say regular health checkups a balanced diet physical activity and avoiding smoking are important steps for keeping cholesterol under control and protecting long term heart health.