There are many things people get wrong about cholesterol. Here are some of the top misconceptions about high cholesterol.
#1 Children Don’t Have Cholesterol Problems
Not all cholesterol is a result of lifestyle habits, as it’s the case with familial hypercholesterolemia, which is inherited. Kids with this genetic condition have a very high risk of heart disease and may need urgent treatment with medications.
In addition, evidence shows that plaque buildup in the arteries starts in childhood and progresses into adulthood. Get regular checkups for children if they have a family history of high cholesterol, obesity, and early cardiovascular disease.
#2 Cholesterol Tests Are For Middle Age People
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), adults 20 years and older should check their cholesterol every 4 to 6 years. However, this timeline only applies if the risk for high cholesterol remains low.
Otherwise, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations and get more regular check-ups.
#3 Only Overweight People Have High Cholesterol
While it’s more likely that an overweight person will have high cholesterol, they’re not the only ones with the condition. In fact, people under a normal weight range or lower can also have cholesterol problems.
You should check your cholesterol levels regardless of your diet, exercise habits, or weight.
#4 High Cholesterol Only Affects Men
As people get older, they experience higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, regardless of whether they’re men or women. However, some premenopausal women may have higher HDL (good) cholesterol levels than men due to estrogen production.
Unfortunately, this does not prevent postmenopausal women from seeing an increase in their cholesterol levels. Get regular checkups and ensure your doctor considers women-specific conditions when it comes to cholesterol treatment options.
#5 You Should Wait for an Official Diagnosis
Don’t wait for your doctor to examine your cholesterol or give you an official diagnosis. Starting at age 20, ask your doctor to measure your cholesterol and assess your risk of high cholesterol.
Afterwards, you can take the necessary steps for preventing the development of high cholesterol.
#6 Diet and Exercise are the Only Factors to Consider
While these factors do affect cholesterol levels, they’re not the only ones. For example, being overweight can increase bad (LDL) cholesterol and decrease good (HDL) cholesterol.
Age also plays a role in the rise of LDL cholesterol as well as genetics.
#7 Taking Medication Means No Diet or Exercise
Even though medications can help manage cholesterol levels, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise or eat healthy. In fact, heart-healthy eating plans and regular exercise are two of the best ways to lower cholesterol.
If you are taking medications, don’t discard healthy diets and regular exercise – and vice versa.
Improving Heart Health
High cholesterol is one of the factors that affects your heart health. If you want to lower the risk of developing heart disease, you want to manage your cholesterol as well as your blood pressure.
Fortunately, both exercise and a healthy diet are great ways to tackle both these problems. Another thing you can try is taking daily heart supplements like L-arginine Plus.
The combination of ingredients like l-arginine, l-citrulline, and various vitamins and minerals make it an effective heart supplement. Start promoting your circulation and cholesterol health by taking L-arginine Plus along with your diet and regular exercise routine.