High cholesterol often has no symptoms. Many people feel healthy even though their cholesterol levels are high. Therefore, this condition should not be ignored—it directly affects the blood vessels.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat that the body needs to build cells and hormones. However, too much cholesterol can be a serious problem. When cholesterol levels are high, fat builds up on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaque. This process occurs slowly and often goes unnoticed.
Hidden Threats: Transfats and Cooking Oils
Not all fats are equally bad. Transfats—especially those from repeatedly heated cooking oils—are the "silent killers" of your cholesterol. When oil is heated at high temperatures (especially when used repeatedly), its chemical structure changes. The previously healthy monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats become transfats. This new form is trans, meaning the molecules are bent in a way your body doesn't recognize.
Biochemically, transfats have a damaging double whammy. First, they simultaneously raise LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol)—a terrible combination for blood vessels. Second, they trigger inflammation in the inner lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), accelerating the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Your immune cells recognize transfats as foreign, triggering a chronic inflammatory response. It's like turning on a constant stream of inflammation in your blood vessels.
The results are stark: each transfat consumed increases the risk of heart disease by up to 20 percent compared to regular saturated fat. Frequently fried foods, fast foods, and commercially prepared pastries are the main sources. As a college student, avoid the habit of buying fried or overly processed foods. Choose safer cooking methods: steaming, boiling, or baking in moderately heated oil.
Impact on Blood Vessels
Over time, plaque narrows blood vessels and impedes blood flow. The heart has to work harder to pump blood. Blood vessels can also become stiff, increasing the risk of high blood pressure.
If left untreated, blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain is disrupted. The result: an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and even sudden cardiac arrest.
Early Detection is Key
Because high cholesterol doesn't show any specific symptoms, regular checkups are crucial. Don't wait until complications arise.
How to Keep Cholesterol Normal
- Healthy diet: limit saturated fats and processed foods, increase fiber-rich vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid transfats: stay away from fried foods and fast food; choose steamed, boiled, or baked foods.
- Regular exercise helps maintain healthy blood vessels.
- Avoid smoking to prevent further damage to blood vessels.
Protect Your Heart Health
High cholesterol damages blood vessels slowly, without you realizing it. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding trans fats, and getting regular checkups are the best ways to protect your heart and blood vessel health.
The article was written by Dr. Emile Tumpal Hombaron, Sp.JP (K) FIHA (Heart and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).