Many adults don’t think about their cholesterol levels until routine screenings begin in early adulthood. However, what most people don’t realize is that the impact of elevated cholesterol is cumulative — meaning high levels can cause damage over many years. The biggest concern? Having high cholesterol from a young age gives plaque more time to build up inside your arteries (a condition called atherosclerosis). Over time, this buildup can narrow or block the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
“If you only pay attention to cholesterol levels when you are older, you may already be experiencing the negative effects of high cholesterol,” says Sachin Parikh, M.D., a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health. “Not everyone will develop plaque as the result of high cholesterol, but there is a strong association between the two — and it’s something we can act on early.”
Steps For Balancing Your Cholesterol Levels
If you are concerned about your risk for atherogenic cholesterol (cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup), talk to your doctor about how you can better understand and manage your risk. Your provider may recommend:
- Getting a lipid panel blood test. This test measures the different types of cholesterol in your blood (both good and bad). It helps your provider assess your cardiovascular risk and identify ways to keep your levels in a healthy range.
- Reviewing your overall cardiovascular risk. Beyond your cholesterol levels, your doctor will consider risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking history, obesity, or a past heart attack or stroke. They’ll also want to review any previous lifestyle changes or medications you have tried to manage your cholesterol.
- Focusing on healthy lifestyle habits. Heart-healthy habits benefit you at every age. “Practicing a nutritious diet and building regular exercise into your routine are habits that should start early in life,” says Dr. Parikh. These changes help improve your cholesterol, support muscle strength and help you maintain a healthy weight.
The important thing to remember is that lower cholesterol usually requires a combination of effort. Relying on just one change — like diet alone — may not be enough for meaningful improvement. Understanding your numbers, exploring treatment options (including medications when appropriate), and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices every day all play a vital role.
“Managing your risk of heart disease is a lifelong investment,” says Dr. Parikh. “If you haven’t start paying attention to your cholesterol yet, it’s never too late to reduce your risk through healthy lifestyle practices.”
Reviewed by Dr. Sachin Parikh, a cardiologist who sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital and Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth.
