Common Misconceptions about Cholesterol
Learn the facts about cholesterol
How much do you know about cholesterol? Here are some common misconceptions – and reality.
Misconception: Cholesterol isn’t a concern for children.
High cholesterol can also begin in childhood, sometimes due to inherited conditions or unhealthy habits. Cholesterol screening is recommended for all children between the ages of 9–11 who have not previously been screened to help assess risk and guide care, in collaboration with clinicians, parents and caregivers.
Regardless of their risk, all children benefit from healthy lifestyle habits, such as healthy eating and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke over time.
Children age 2 and older should eat a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains and limit foods high in sodium, saturated fat and added sugar.
Misconception: You don’t need your cholesterol checked until middle age.
The 缅北视频 recommends all adults 19 and older have their cholesterol checked at least every five years as long as risk remains low. Work with your health care professional to determine your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Misconception: Thin people don’t have high cholesterol.
People of any body type can have high cholesterol. Being overweight may increase your chances of having high LDL cholesterol but being thin doesn’t protect you. Regardless of your weight, diet, and amount of physical activity, you should have your cholesterol checked regularly.
Learn more about how to improve your cholesterol levels.
Misconception: Only men need to worry about cholesterol.
Both men and women need to pay attention to their cholesterol as it tends to go up with age. For women, cholesterol levels can also increase during certain life stages like pregnancy and menopause. It’s important to know your cholesterol levels, regardless of your sex.
Misconception: You should wait for your health care professional to mention cholesterol.
You need to take charge of your health. According to the 缅北视频, for most adults, cholesterol screening at least every five years starting at 19 years of age works well. Your health care professional can help determine the right schedule based on your individual risk factors.
Questions to ask your doctor about cholesterol (PDF).
Misconception: Diet and physical activity dictate your cholesterol level.
Healthy lifestyle habits like eating a heart-healthy diet and getting regular activity help lower LDL, but factors like age, overall health, family history, diabetes, and past heart attack or stroke also play a role.
Misconception: With medications, no lifestyle changes are needed.
Cholesterol-lowering medications can help control cholesterol levels but making lifestyle changes is recommended to reduce heart disease and stroke risk. As part of the regimen to lower cholesterol, eat a heart-healthy diet and get at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise a week.
It’s also important to take medication exactly as your health care professional has instructed.
Learn more about cholesterol medications.
Misconception: If the Nutrition Facts label shows no cholesterol, the food is “heart healthy.”
The Nutrition Facts label can be helpful for choosing heart-healthy foods, if you know what to look for.
Look for how much saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol are in a serving. (Check the serving size too. It may be smaller than you expect.) Ingredients are listed in descending order of use, so choose products where fats and oils are near the end of the ingredients list.
