Things we think we know about cholesterol, but don't really know (High Cholesterol)

In our homes, when we talk to friends, the word "cholesterol" is something we often hear. Some people are afraid to eat eggs, others are afraid to eat oily food. But how much do we really know about this cholesterol? Sometimes what we think is true can be wrong. So today, let's talk about a few things about cholesterol management that many people do not understand, but that you should definitely know.

High cholesterol doesn't just affect the heart.

Many people think that high cholesterol only leads to heart attacks and strokes . That's true, but the story doesn't end there.

Think of the blood vessels in our body as pipes that carry water. When cholesterol increases, oil builds up inside these pipes and gradually clogs them. In this way, the amount of blood flowing to the heart and brain decreases over time. What happens? Over time, the heart can weaken and lead to a condition called heart failure . Also, reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to conditions like dementia . This means that the damage doesn't happen all at once, but gradually, without us even realizing it.

Does eating low-cholesterol foods lower blood cholesterol?

This is another big misconception. Many people think that if they stop eating foods high in cholesterol, like egg yolks, the problem will go away. But the truth is, the amount of cholesterol we eat has a very small effect on the cholesterol levels in our blood.

Simply put, the saturated fat found in fried foods, fast food, and the carbohydrates we eat in excess, such as rice, bread, pasta, and noodles, are the main reasons why our cholesterol levels are messed up.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The same cholesterol medication that our friend is given may not work for us. The reason for this is that everyone's body is different. When your doctor looks at your lipid profile , there is not just one value. There are many different types of values ​​such as bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides.

Your treatment is prescribed taking all of this into account and is specific to you. So, it's more important to follow the exact treatment your doctor prescribes for you than to ask for the medicine your neighbor gave you.

Are cholesterol medications (statins) really dangerous?

Many people are afraid to take statins, which are drugs used to lower cholesterol, because of rumors that they can damage the liver, cause muscle pain, and impair memory.

Studies on hundreds of thousands of people have shown that these medications have a great potential to reduce the risk of heart disease and extend life. So, if your doctor prescribes this medication, don't be afraid to take it. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.

Also learn about coconut oil and coconut milk.

Coconut is an indispensable thing in our culture. But a person with cholesterol should be a little careful when using things like coconut milk, coconut oil, and coconut sambal. Coconut contains a type of saturated fat. When these are consumed in excess, they can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Therefore, there is no need to stop these completely, but it is very important to use them in moderation .

Even young children should be tested for cholesterol

This may be new to you, but with the increasing prevalence of obesity, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits (fast food, sugary drinks) among children today, there is an increased need to identify the risk of heart disease at an early age.

If your child is overweight, or if someone in your family has high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease, talking to your child's doctor and having their cholesterol checked if necessary will help save them from a lot of big problems in the future.