Cholesterol…too young to care?
Hi Toyin.
Why the big deal about cholesterol and at what age should I begin to care? When should I start getting checked up by the doctor for my levels?
Thanks!
Shavonne
Hey Shavonne,
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance in our body and it makes part of our cell membranes. Although it tends to get a bad name in the doctor’s office, it is very important for life and good in normal amounts. Hypercholesterolemia is a problem of high blood cholesterol and is usually due to problems with the proteins that carry cholesterol through the system. It can be caused by genetic, diabetes, hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone in the body) and of course a bad diet (high amounts of Trans fat). Even though it can be caused by certain diseases, it is notorious for producing its own set of diseases such as heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
So when should we start being checked out? Well, it is recommended that you start getting checked closer to 50 but if you have a family history, risk factors (obesity, smoking, diabetes and hypertension) or other other symptoms of high cholesterol, it is ordered much earlier.
Stay blessed
T
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