Reasons for increased cholesterol
Many people believe that cholesterol increases only due to wrong diet, but the reality is something else. After the age of 40, natural changes occur in the body that affect cholesterol levels. With age, cell function declines, slowing metabolism and hormonal changes impacting lipid profiles. Because of this, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases after 40.
Role of hormones and metabolism behind increase in cholesterol
According to MayoClinic, the body's ability to burn calories decreases as we age. Due to this, extra calories start getting stored in the body as fat, which can lead to weight gain as well as affect the levels of LDL and triglycerides. In addition, the liver's capacity to remove excess LDL from the blood also decreases, making it difficult to remove it.
According to NCBI, cholesterol levels may increase after 40 due to hormonal changes. Estrogen levels decrease during menopause in women, which helps maintain HDL. At the same time, body fat can increase due to low testosterone levels in men.
Decreased liver function
Liver works to remove bad cholesterol from the blood. As we age, this process may become less effective in some people, leading to increased levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
decreased physical activity
People after 40 become less active than before, which increases the risk of lowering HDL and increasing LDL.
increase in weight and belly fat
With increasing age, there is a risk of increasing fat around the abdomen, which is called visceral fat. It can increase insulin resistance and bad cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of serious health problems.
Risk of heart disease due to cholesterol
– People above 40 years of age
– History of heart disease in the family
– diabetic patients
– people with high blood pressure
Obesity or increased waist circumference
– people who smoke
Tips for regular checkups after 40
According to the American Heart Association, after 40 years, not only cholesterol but also overall heart health should be checked.
– Lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol Test – LDL and HDL, Triglycerides)
– blood pressure
– Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c
– BMI and waist measurement
– High Sensitive CRP (if needed)
– ApoB or Lipoprotein(a) (if familial risk)