Cholesterol Myth|I follow a good diet-I don’t need to get tested for my cholesterol levels

Myths about Cholesterol that May be Affecting Your Health

If you believe the following misconception and misinformation, you may be making choices that sabotage your chances of lowering your cholesterol:

• Cholesterol Myth: I follow a good diet, so I don’t need to get tested for my cholesterol levels.

People who are overweight and consistently choose high-fat and processed foods (which are high in trans and saturated fats) may well have elevated levels of cholesterol. 

However, there are other risk factors to consider. 

People who eat well may also have heightened cholesterol ins some cases. 

You should be tested for cholesterol if you:

           • Are older.  Cholesterol levels may rise with age.

• Are a woman who has gone through menopause.  Lowered estrogen levels after menopause have been linked to higher levels of bad cholesterol.

           • Are a smoker. Smoking is a danger to heart health and may affect cholesterol levels.

• Are sedentary.  Lack of exercise has a detrimental effect on cardiac health and cholesterol.

• Are someone whose family has a history of heart disease and/or high cholesterol. High cholesterol in some cases is genetically determined.

• Suffer from alcoholism.  Alcoholism has been linked to heightened levels of triglycerides and heart disease.  Getting a cholesterol profile can help determine if your heart is at risk.