Busting Common Cholesterol Myths Ft. Dr Brajesh Kumar Mishra, Dr Anupama V Hegde, Dr Ujjawal Kumar
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood that plays a critical role in building cells and producing hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It is mainly produced by the liver but can also come from certain foods. There are two key types: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), known as "bad" cholesterol, which can accumulate in the arteries and lead to heart disease, and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), or "good" cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
While cholesterol is essential for bodily functions, having high levels of LDL or low HDL increases the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart disease and stroke. Factors like diet, exercise, genetics, and age affect cholesterol levels, and it's crucial to monitor them through blood tests, as high cholesterol often shows no symptoms.
Cholesterol is often misunderstood, and there are many myths surrounding its role in our health. In this video, our panel of experts — Dr. Brajesh Kumar Mishra, Dr. Ujjawal Kumar, and Dr. Anupama V Hegde — break down the most common misconceptions about cholesterol and provide the facts you need to know to manage it effectively. Here’s what we’ll cover:
Myth 1: All Cholesterol is Bad
Fact: Learn about the difference between LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol and their roles in your body.
Myth 2: Eating Cholesterol-Rich Foods Raises Blood Cholesterol
Fact: Dietary cholesterol is not the main culprit; it’s more about the fats in your diet.
Myth 3: Only Overweight People Have High Cholesterol
Fact: Cholesterol levels can be high regardless of your weight, and factors like genetics play a role.
Myth 4: Young People Don’t Need to Worry About Cholesterol
Fact: High cholesterol can develop early in life, making it crucial to monitor from a young age.
Myth 5: Medication Can Replace a Healthy Lifestyle
Fact: Medications help, but they’re most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.
Myth 6: Women Don’t Need to Worry About Cholesterol Until Menopause
Fact: Cholesterol is important to monitor for women at all ages, not just after menopause.
Myth 7: You Can Feel When Your Cholesterol is High
Fact: High cholesterol has no symptoms — a blood test is the only way to know.
Myth 8: Cholesterol Only Affects Heart Health
Fact: It also impacts other organs, such as the brain, increasing stroke risk.
Myth 9: Switching to Low-Fat Foods Automatically Lowers Cholesterol
Fact: Healthy fats are important, and some low-fat foods may increase LDL cholesterol.