Busting Common Cholesterol Myths Ft. Dr Brajesh Kumar Mishra, Dr Anupama V Hegde, Dr Ujjawal Kumar

World Heart Day, observed annually on 29th September, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and promoting heart-healthy lifestyles. This important day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take action in preventing heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death worldwide.

With the theme "Use Heart for Action," World Heart Day 2024 focuses on empowering people to make healthier choices, improve heart health, and reduce the global burden of CVDs. On this World Heart Day, Medical Dialogues discusses common myths surrounding cholesterol with Dr. Brajesh Kumar Mishra, Dr. Ujjawal Kumar, and Dr. Anupama V Hegde.

In this insightful session, these esteemed cardiologists debunk widespread misconceptions about cholesterol, shedding light on its impact on heart health and the importance of understanding both "good" and "bad" cholesterol for effective management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Here are some prevalent myths:

1. All Cholesterol is Bad

Myth: Cholesterol is harmful and should be eliminated entirely.

Fact: Cholesterol is essential for various bodily functions, including hormone production and cell membrane formation. There are two main types:

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), often called "bad cholesterol," can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), known as "good cholesterol," helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

2. Eating Cholesterol-Rich Foods Raises Blood Cholesterol

Myth: Foods high in cholesterol, like eggs, raise blood cholesterol levels.

Fact: Dietary cholesterol has a minimal effect on blood cholesterol for most people. Saturated and trans fats in the diet are more responsible for raising blood cholesterol levels.

3. Only Overweight People Have High Cholesterol

Myth: If you are not overweight, you don’t need to worry about cholesterol.

Fact: Cholesterol levels can be high in people of any weight. Genetics, age, and other factors can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels regardless of body weight.

4. Young People Don't Need to Worry About Cholesterol

Myth: Cholesterol issues only affect older adults.

Fact: High cholesterol can begin to develop in youth, especially with poor diet and lifestyle choices. Monitoring cholesterol early in life can help prevent cardiovascular disease later on.

5. Cholesterol Medication Can Replace Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Myth: Taking statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs means you don't need to worry about diet and exercise.

Fact: Medications can help manage cholesterol, but they work best alongside healthy lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking.

6. Women Don't Need to Worry About Cholesterol Until Menopause

Myth: Cholesterol becomes a concern for women only after menopause.

Fact: While cholesterol levels tend to rise after menopause, high cholesterol can occur in younger women as well. It’s essential to monitor and manage cholesterol throughout life.

7. You Can Feel When Your Cholesterol is High

Myth: High cholesterol causes noticeable symptoms.

Fact: High cholesterol typically has no symptoms. The only way to know your cholesterol levels is through a blood test.

8. Cholesterol is Only Related to Heart Health

Myth: Cholesterol only affects the heart.

Fact: While high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, it can also impact other areas, such as blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.

9. Switching to Low-Fat Foods Automatically Lowers Cholesterol

Myth: Eating low-fat foods guarantees lower cholesterol.

Fact: Many low-fat or fat-free foods are high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, which can increase LDL cholesterol. A balanced diet with healthy fats, like those from nuts, seeds, and fish, is more effective for managing cholesterol.