“Ah, I’m still young, how could I possibly get heart disease!”
We often hear phrases like this. But did you know? High cholesterol and heart disease aren't just found in older adults. More and more people in their 20s and 30s are already experiencing cardiovascular risk factors, even experiencing sudden heart attacks. One trigger is high cholesterol levels without realizing it.
What Is Cholesterol and Why Is It Dangerous?
Cholesterol is a fat naturally produced by the body and also obtained from food. The body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to form hormones, vitamin D, and cell structure.
However, if levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol , are too high, it can build up in the walls of blood vessels. This buildup forms plaque, which narrows or blocks blood flow to the heart. This is the beginning of coronary heart disease and heart attacks .
It's important to be aware that high cholesterol usually doesn't cause symptoms. A person may feel perfectly healthy until they experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a sudden heart attack.
Risk Factors for High Cholesterol in Young People
- Consumption of foods high in saturated fat (fried foods, fast food, fatty meat)
- Excessive sugar consumption (sweet drinks, cakes, ultra-processed foods)
- Rarely exercise
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Lack of sleep or irregular sleep
- Excessive stress
- Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
- Lack of fiber consumption from fruits and vegetables
Why is it important to maintain heart health from a young age?
- Blood vessel damage is accumulative—the longer it is left, the greater the impact.
- Heart attacks in young people often come suddenly and can be more fatal because they are not detected early.
- Good heart health improves energy, focus, and overall quality of life.
- Lifestyle changes are more effective if started at a young age, before organ damage occurs.
Tips for Maintaining Heart Health from an Early Age
- Regularly check your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, especially if you have a family history.
- Balanced diet: increase consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, grains, and reduce processed foods.
- Regular exercise: at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 5 times per week
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Stress management: make time for relaxation, hobbies, or techniques like meditation
- Get enough quality sleep (7–9 hours per night)
When Should You Consult a Heart Specialist?
- If laboratory results show total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL or LDL (bad cholesterol) > 130 mg/dL
- If you often feel tired quickly, have chest pain, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath during activity
- If you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol
- If you have other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension
Don't wait until it's too late. High cholesterol at a young age is an important signal to start living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular heart checkups. The sooner we take action, the greater our chances of living a long, healthy, and productive life.
Article written by Dr. Nancy Virginia, Sp.JP(K), FIHA, FAsCC (Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).