Debunking common cholesterol myths: What you need to know for heart health

Myth: All cholesterol is bad

Contrary to popular belief, not all cholesterol is harmful. In fact, your body needs cholesterol to function properly. There are two main types of cholesterol:
 

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL particles can accumulate in artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes

2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess LDL from the bloodstream, lowering the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues
 

Understanding the balance between these two types is crucial for maintaining heart health.
 

Myth: Only overweight people have high cholesterol

While being overweight or obese may increase the risk of high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol, it's not the only factor. People of all body types can have high cholesterol due to various risk factors, including:
 

• Family history
• Age
• Sex
• Lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, high dietary intake of saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity)
  
  

It's important to remember that maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for overall health, but it doesn't guarantee optimal cholesterol levels.

Myth: Only older adults need to worry about cholesterol

While the risk of high cholesterol does increase with age, it's not exclusively an older adult concern. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults aged 20 and older should have their cholesterol (and other risk factors) checked every four to six years, assuming their risk remains low.
 

Although less common than in adults, children can also experience high cholesterol, especially if there's a family history of the condition.

Myth: Diet and exercise alone determine cholesterol levels

While a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise can positively impact cholesterol levels, they're not the only determining factors. Genetics, age, sex and other elements can affect cholesterol levels regardless of lifestyle habits. For example, high levels of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a genetically passed down lipoprotein, can increase your risk of heart health issues.

That said, maintaining a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats, along with regular physical activity, can significantly benefit your overall health and cholesterol profile.

Myth: Eggs are bad for your cholesterol

Eggs have long been vilified due to their cholesterol content. However, moderate consumption (about one egg per day) is unlikely to significantly raise blood cholesterol levels in most individuals. What's more important is considering how eggs are prepared and what they're eaten with. For example, frying eggs in butter or oil, or pairing them with high-fat meats like bacon or sausage may have a more significant impact on cholesterol levels than the eggs themselves. It’s best to discuss dietary habits with your healthcare provider, who can provide more personalized guidance.

Myth: If you feel fine, your cholesterol is fine

One of the most dangerous misconceptions about cholesterol is that you'll know if there's a problem. In reality, high cholesterol typically has no noticeable symptoms until it leads to more serious problems. You could have high cholesterol and be completely unaware of it. This is why regular cholesterol checks (i.e., every four to six years for most healthy adults) are crucial even if you feel healthy.

Taking action for your heart health

Given the silent nature of high cholesterol, it's essential to be proactive about your heart health and talk to your healthcare provider about when and how to test your cholesterol. This is especially important for those with risk factors for high cholesterol (e.g., heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol) as they may need to check their levels more frequently.
 

Labcorp OnDemand offers multiple options for monitoring your heart health. The Cholesterol and Lipid Panel Test measure HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat found in the blood that can contribute to heart disease risk, especially when combined with high LDL and low HDL), VLDL cholesterol (a cholesterol that carries triglycerides throughout the body and are then converted to LDL cholesterol) and total cholesterol (the sum of LDL, HDL and VLDL cholesterol circulating in the body).
 

If you’re looking for a more thorough assessment, Labcorp OnDemand's Comprehensive Heart Health Test includes cholesterol and triglyceride measurements, along with other important heart health markers.
 

By understanding cholesterol’s role in your health and regularly monitoring your levels, you can take informed steps to protect your heart and overall well-being. Don't let myths and misconceptions stand in the way of your health; get the facts and take control of your cholesterol today.