Busting Myths About High Cholesterol

Hypercholesterolemia: big word for a common problem otherwise known as high cholesterol. More than ten percent of the U.S. population suffers from it, with nearly half of those affected unaware they even have a problem.

With heart disease being the number one cause of death in the United States, and high cholesterol being a significant contributor to heart attack and stroke, it’s important to separate myth from fact and learn how you can best protect yourself through early detection, proper diet, and lifestyle modifications.

Myth: I don’t need to worry about my hypercholesterolemia until I’m older.

Fact: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects 1 in 250 people worldwide—and can affect anyone at any age--including children, teens, and young adults.

Familial hypercholesterolemia—a genetic predisposition to having higher total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels—can affect anyone who carries one of the four known genetic mutations. Certain ethnic groups, including Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, Lebanese, and Afrikaner carry a higher risk. Unfortunately, a whopping 90 percent of people who have FH haven’t been diagnosed, so it’s important to look at your family’s heart health history regardless of heritage. If you have a family history of high total cholesterol, LDL or triglycerides, “early” heart attacks, stents, or bypass surgery (before 55 in men and 65 in women), begin screening early.

Myth: All cholesterol is bad.

Fact: Cholesterol is key to many bodily functions.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like lipid found in blood and throughout the body. Despite its bad rap, cholesterol is not inherently “bad” and serves many purposes, as your body needs it to build healthy cells, help your liver make bile, and serve as a building block for certain hormones and vitamin D production. Without cholesterol, we may as well just be plants! When doctors talk about high cholesterol levels, they’re usually talking about total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, total cholesterol should be under 200, LDL should be under 100, 60 or higher for HDL cholesterol and below 150 mg/dL for the triglyceride level. However, everyone’s needs may differ, depending on your age, and your family history so it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to achieve the right targets for you.

Myth: Having high levels of “good” HDL cholesterol will protect my heart health.

Fact: No amount of HDL will combat high LDL.

Although long thought of as the “good guy” that transports “bad” cholesterol to the liver for recycling and elimination, newer research indicates that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels may act as a marker for other heart disease risk factors, rather than being the sole protective factor itself. Low HDL levels are often associated with conditions like obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure, which are the true drivers of increased cardiovascular risk. High HDL levels may not always be beneficial and sometimes indicate dysfunctional HDL particles or other underlying health issues. While people with lower HDL do tend to be at higher risk for heart disease, HDL-boosting drugs seem to have little affect on lowering risk. This is because HDL comes in many different shapes and sizes, some of which are great at removing LDL from artery walls, and some that have the opposite effect.

Myth: I’m active and eat well—hypercholesterolemia isn’t a concern for me.

Fact: There are many factors that play a role in developing high cholesterol.

As discussed above, inherited high cholesterol can be a major concern for anyone—including those who eat well and exercise. While proper diet and exercise are still important for people with FH, targeted supplements and possibly medication may be necessary. Furthermore, other factors to be considered, are age, being post-menopausal, and/or having certain conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, lupus, sleep apnea, and more.

And, it’s important to note that good lifestyle habits can’t cancel out the effects of smoking or drinking too much alcohol—both of which raise the risk of high cholesterol.

Myth: There would be signs my cholesterol is too high.

Fact: High cholesterol often presents with no symptoms at all.

While there are occasional physical symptoms of high cholesterol, such as yellowish, cholesterol-rich deposits called xanthomas on the skin, many people don’t know they have high cholesterol until after they have a heart attack or stroke. This is why it’s so important to maintain a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, and get your cholesterol levels checked every four to six years.

Myth: Cholesterol lowering medications—like statins—are my only defense.

Fact: Proper diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplements can make a significant difference.

When genetics aren’t at play, high cholesterol can be preventable—and reversed—through diet. And for those with FH, a proper diet can go a long way in managing LDL levels and help you to take the lowest dose of any medication necessary. However, navigating proper nutrition to manage high cholesterol can be confusing, which is why it can be helpful to work with a nutritionist to determine your individual needs.

Getting enough exercise every day is vital and an important start. Cutting back on certain foods and increasing others is also key. But there is a lot more to managing the condition, nutritionally speaking. It’s not just a focus on what you have to “give up.” There are certain foods that you can add to your diet to help naturally lower the numbers that may be too high and increase the numbers that may need a boost. Adding very specific supplements can also help to balance cholesterol levels.

Navigating these long-held myths with my help can make the process easier. Together, we can build you an individualized plan to make eating to manage cholesterol attainable and sustainable. If you are one of the many individuals at risk or already living with hypercholesterolemia—or if you simply want to ensure a healthy heart as you age—please contact me.