Bhubaneswar: When 38-year-old Rajiv Mehta walked into his physician’s office for a routine checkup, he didn’t expect the results to change the way he lived his life. He had no symptoms, no discomfort, and no warning signs. It was surprising when the reports indicated that he had high LDL cholesterol.
This story is common among patients due to misconceptions such as cholesterol issues being something older people deal with, or it’s only related to lifestyle factors. An increase in prevalence reflects the lack of awareness, especially among younger people. A recent study highlighted that a significant 31% of people in India have high cholesterol.
High LDLC doesn’t show any symptoms; it starts accumulating in the arteries, creating blockages, leading to serious heart conditions. Even a few months’ delay can lead to risks that can never be fully treated by later intensifying the therapy. Elevated LDLC can accelerate plaque formation, especially in high-risk individuals, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or a smoking history.
“One of the hardest things for me to grasp,” Rajiv shares, “was that I didn’t feel sick. I thought cholesterol issues were something older people or people who were visibly unhealthy dealt with. I had no idea I could have heart disease developing silently.”
Dr. Anupam Jena, Associate Professor of Cardiology, KIMS, Bhubaneswar, there are many contributing factors to the development of coronary artery diseases or arterial blockages, such as age, family history, and other comorbidities. These are non-modifiable risk factors. However, what is within our control are the modifiable aspects of our daily lives. This includes living a healthy lifestyle, eating right, getting adequate sleep, etc. Risks of getting new blockages and accumulation of LDLC in the arteries can be reduced by following such a lifestyle. By keeping LDL cholesterol at optimal levels, we not only help prevent the onset of CAD but can also potentially slow or even reverse its progression. Taking active steps to reduce LDL cholesterol, along with medication, can help manage LDLC effectively.
There are more advanced therapies available when the traditional options aren’t giving the required results. Targeted treatments, such as PCSK9 therapy, siRNA therapy, or Inclisiran, show promise in helping patients reach target LDLC levels when standard options fall short.
Improving HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, can be focused on simultaneously as it flushes excessive LDLC from the bloodstream. This requires several lifestyle changes, such as quitting a sedentary lifestyle and adopting mindful eating. It’s also important to note that having a healthy lifestyle isn’t a replacement for treatment.
Rajiv Mehta recalls, “I wanted to try everything naturally first.” “I thought, if I eat right, exercise more, maybe I can avoid taking pills.” While his efforts improved his overall fitness, his LDLC barely budged.
Lifestyle changes need to be coupled with therapy when managing LDLC to the target range. High LDL cholesterol can be effectively managed when all aspects are taken into account. Regular check-ups every 3–6 months are needed, depending on how the numbers are faring. Therapies don’t cure high cholesterol; they are used to control it. Therefore, they must be adhered to consistently, as pausing the medication can put you back to your older levels.
Rajiv Mehta “Eventually, I accepted that I needed medication. And within three months of taking them, my LDLC dropped significantly. That’s when I truly saw the value of medical therapy.”