Cholesterol Awareness: Think You're Too Young to Worry About Cholesterol? Think Again

When you hear the words high cholesterol, what comes to mind?

For many people, it may sound like something to worry about later in life. But cholesterol awareness isn't just for older adults. Cholesterol levels can become a concern much earlier - and because high cholesterol typically doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, you may not know your levels unless they're checked.

September is Cholesterol Education Month, making it a great reminder for adults of all ages to learn about cholesterol, understand their personal risk factors, and know their numbers.

What Exactly Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to function properly. Your body uses cholesterol for important jobs, including making certain hormones and helping build cells.

The problem isn't that cholesterol exists - it's when certain cholesterol levels become too high.

You may hear your healthcare provider discuss several numbers when reviewing a cholesterol test, including:

• LDL cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because higher levels can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

• HDL cholesterol: Often called "good" cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver.

• Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood. High triglyceride levels can also contribute to cardiovascular risk.

• Total cholesterol: A measurement that incorporates different types of cholesterol in your blood.

Your healthcare provider can help explain what your individual numbers mean in the context of your overall health.

Cholesterol Awareness Matters Even When You're Young

It's easy to think, I'm young, I feel healthy, so my cholesterol must be fine.

Unfortunately, you can't necessarily tell how your cholesterol is doing based on how you feel.

High cholesterol generally has no symptoms. Someone can feel perfectly healthy while having cholesterol levels that may increase their long-term risk of heart disease or stroke.

That's one reason cholesterol awareness is important throughout adulthood - not just after reaching a certain age.

Knowing your numbers earlier can give you and your healthcare provider useful information about your cardiovascular health and whether any changes or additional monitoring may be appropriate.

Family History Can Matter

Lifestyle is important, but cholesterol isn't solely determined by what you eat.

Genetics can also play a significant role.

Some people inherit conditions that cause very high cholesterol levels beginning at a young age. One example is familial hypercholesterolemia, often abbreviated as FH.

If close family members have had very high cholesterol or experienced heart disease, heart attacks, or other cardiovascular problems at an unusually young age, make sure your healthcare provider knows.

Knowing your family health history can help your provider determine whether you may benefit from earlier or more frequent cholesterol screening.

"But I Eat Healthy!"

A nutritious diet can certainly play an important role in supporting heart health, but eating well doesn't guarantee that you'll never develop high cholesterol.

Several factors can influence cholesterol levels, including:

• Genetics and family history

• Age

• Physical activity

• Smoking

• Body weight

• Certain medical conditions

• Some medications

• Eating patterns

Some of these factors can be changed, while others can't.

That's why cholesterol awareness is about more than simply avoiding certain foods. It's about understanding your overall risk and having appropriate conversations with your healthcare provider.

When Should You Have Your Cholesterol Checked?

You don't need to wait until you're older to start thinking about cholesterol screening.

General screening recommendations can vary based on age, health history, cardiovascular risk factors, and family history. Children and younger adults may also need cholesterol testing in certain circumstances.

Rather than assuming you're "too young," ask your healthcare provider whether you're due for a cholesterol test and how often you should be screened based on your individual health history.

If you already have recent lab results, take the opportunity to ask what your numbers mean instead of simply looking for whether they're marked "normal."

Small Habits Can Support Heart Health

Cholesterol awareness isn't about becoming afraid of every food you eat or completely changing your lifestyle overnight.

Instead, focus on sustainable habits that support your overall cardiovascular health.

Depending on your individual needs, these may include:

• Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

• Choosing foods rich in fiber

• Incorporating whole grains

• Choosing healthier sources of fat

• Staying physically active

• Avoiding tobacco

• Maintaining a healthy weight for you

• Keeping up with routine healthcare visits and recommended screenings

If your cholesterol is elevated, your healthcare provider can help you determine which lifestyle changes - and, when appropriate, medications - may be recommended for you.

Don't Wait Until You "Feel" Something

One of the most important things to remember about high cholesterol is that you usually can't feel it.

You don't have to feel sick.

You don't have to be overweight.

You don't have to eat an unhealthy diet.

And you don't have to be "old."

That's what makes routine screening and cholesterol awareness so valuable.

Make Cholesterol Awareness Part of Your Health Routine

Cholesterol is only one piece of your overall health, but it's an important one.

This Cholesterol Education Month, consider asking yourself a few simple questions:

Do I know my cholesterol numbers?

When was the last time I had them checked?

Do I know whether high cholesterol or early heart disease runs in my family?

If you don't know the answers, consider bringing them up at your next healthcare appointment.

Being younger doesn't mean cholesterol should become something to worry about. It simply means you have an opportunity to become informed earlier.

Knowing your numbers today can help you make informed decisions about your heart health for the years ahead.