Heart disease and cholesterol: what is the connection?

Heart disease stands as a significant global health threat, claiming many lives prematurely worldwide. Among the myriad factors contributing to this alarming reality, high levels of cholesterol have emerged as a central concern in cardiovascular health. Distinguished consultant cardiologist Dr Dushyant Maradia explores the intricate relationship between heart health and cholesterol, aiming to explain the role of cholesterol in our well-being and how we can assert control over our heart health.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of blood fat produced in the liver and other body cells which can also be  acquired from the diet and is naturally present in certain foods. It is insoluble in water, therefore it is transported via lipoproteins, which are combinations of cholesterol and protein molecules. The main lipoproteins include low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). While cholesterol is essential for bodily functions such as building cell membranes and hormone production, excessive LDL cholesterol levels can lead to arterial blockage due to plaque accumulation, resulting in health issues like heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol aids in clearing cholesterol from affected areas, and low levels of HDL can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding the cholesterol-vessel health connection is key to understanding heart health.

How can I maintain heart health?

In order to maintain heart health, you must adopt a lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while abstaining from smoking. These lifestyle choices help lower LDL cholesterol, elevate HDL cholesterol, and reduce the overall risk of heart disease. Therefore, cultivating a heart-healthy lifestyle serves as the cornerstone for maintaining balanced cholesterol levels and enhancing heart health.

Besides lifestyle factors, genetic influences play a significant role in determining individuals' cholesterol levels. In cases where genetic predispositions are dominant, dietary and lifestyle changes alone may prove insufficient, necessitating medications like statins to manage cholesterol levels effectively. While these drugs are potent, they are most effective when combined with a heart-healthy lifestyle.

The need to manage cholesterol persists as high cholesterol often remains asymptomatic until it precipitates a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke. Regular cholesterol screenings, recommended particularly for adults over 20, are vital for early detection and intervention. By knowing their cholesterol levels and collaborating with healthcare providers to manage them, individuals can mitigate their risk of heart disease.

How can awareness of the link between cholesterol and heart disease be raised?

As we navigate an era and society characterised by modern conveniences often associated with fast food, sedentary lifestyles, and heightened stress, it becomes imperative to acknowledge the significance of proactive heart health management. Addressing the cholesterol dilemma requires knowledge, awareness, and commitment to heart-healthy practices. Educating individuals about cholesterol, diet, and exercise, alongside ensuring access to affordable healthcare, constitute essential components of the solution.

By fostering awareness and commitment to heart-healthy living, we can work to alleviate the global burden of heart disease posed by the cholesterol conundrum. Prioritising heart health through understanding cholesterol marks the initial step on this path.

If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Maradia, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.