Health Alert: High Cholesterol Can Be Sneaky But It's Dangerous

Many Nigerians only find out they have high blood pressure or high blood sugar after getting sick. Another serious health risk that often goes unnoticed is high cholesterol. This condition rarely shows signs until it leads to serious problems.

High cholesterol is a major cause of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Since it usually does not have symptoms, many people might have high cholesterol without knowing.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says high cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease, especially heart attacks and strokes.

The WHO recommends cutting down on saturated fats, avoiding industrial trans fats, eating healthy, staying active, and not smoking to lower the risk of heart disease. They also report that cardiovascular diseases are the top cause of death worldwide, leading to around 17.9 million deaths every year.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that high cholesterol often has no symptoms. This makes regular screening very important since many people only find out they have it after heart problems occur.

While many think high cholesterol is just for older folks, experts warn that lifestyle changes, poor diets, and lack of exercise are raising the risk for younger people too.

Who is Most at Risk?

Dr. Happiness Akinde, a medical doctor, says anyone can have high cholesterol, but some groups are at a higher risk. People over 40, those who are overweight or obese, and those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease are more likely to develop high cholesterol.

People with a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease are also at higher risk. Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk even more.

"In Nigeria, the rising consumption of processed foods and more sedentary lifestyles have made high cholesterol more common, even among younger adults," she explained.

Why Screening Matters

Dr. Akinde said many people think they would notice if their cholesterol levels are high. But high cholesterol is often called a "silent condition" as it usually does not show symptoms.

"A person may feel completely healthy while cholesterol builds up in the arteries over many years. Many only find out about it after having a heart attack or stroke," she said.

This is why regular cholesterol screening is crucial. She advises that healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 20 and 35, especially if they have risk factors. After age 40, cholesterol levels should be checked every four to six years, or more often for those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smokers, or anyone with a family history of heart disease.

People already diagnosed with high cholesterol should follow their doctor’s advice for more frequent checks.

Health Risks

Dr. Akinde explained that excess cholesterol builds up in blood vessels, creating plaques that narrow and harden the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. This can cut off blood flow to the heart, which may result in chest pain or a heart attack. It can also restrict blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.

High cholesterol can lead to peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the legs and causes pain and slow healing of wounds.

Everyday Habits That Raise Cholesterol

Dr. Akinde pointed out several lifestyle habits that can lead to high cholesterol. Eating too much fried food, fast food, pastries, processed meats, and foods high in saturated or trans fats contributes to the problem. Physical inactivity, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and being overweight are also risk factors.

She encouraged Nigerians to eat healthier by including more vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, and fish when possible. Cooking methods like boiling, grilling, steaming, or baking are better than deep frying. It is also a good idea to reduce the intake of fatty meats, processed foods, and sugary drinks.

In addition to diet, she said adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, each week. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol are also important. She reminded everyone that healthy eating does not have to be expensive.

"Locally available foods like beans, vegetables like ugwu and efo, okra, garden eggs, sweet potatoes, oats, and fresh fruits can help improve heart health," she added.

The Danger of Reusing Cooking Oil

Dr. Akinde also cautioned against reusing cooking oil, which is common in many homes and roadside eateries. Each time cooking oil is heated to high temperatures, it breaks down and forms harmful compounds, including oxidised fats that can increase inflammation and the risk of heart disease.

She advised discarding cooking oil once it becomes dark, thick, smelly, produces too much smoke, or foams when heated. "Ideally, deep frying oil should not be reused many times, especially after high-heat frying," she said.

Know Your Numbers

Dr. Akinde urged Nigerians not to wait for symptoms before checking their heart health. She suggested keeping track of health numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight regularly, even when feeling fine. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying active are also key.

She stressed the importance of avoiding smoking and going for regular medical check-ups. Small, steady changes in lifestyle can prevent heart attacks and strokes. "High cholesterol is silent, but its complications are not. Get tested, eat wisely, stay active, and protect your heart."