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High cholesterol is not only a concern for middle-aged adults. It can also occur at a young age and often causes no obvious symptoms. Contributing factors can include a diet high in saturated and trans fats, physical inactivity, excess weight, smoking, certain health conditions, and genetics. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and routine health checks are important parts of protecting long-term heart health.
High cholesterol is not only something to pay attention to as you get older. In fact, cholesterol levels among younger people in Indonesia also deserve attention.
According to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), as cited by GoodStats, around 28% of high-cholesterol cases were found in the 15–24 age group, making it the age group with the highest proportion in the cited data. The 25–34 age group also showed a notable proportion of high cholesterol.
Cholesterol levels can be influenced by everyday habits, health conditions, and factors that cannot be controlled, such as genetics. If not properly managed, unhealthy cholesterol levels can contribute to blood-vessel problems and increase the risk of heart disease.
So, what causes high cholesterol at a young age, what signs should you be aware of, and how can you manage it? Read on to learn more.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the body needs for important functions, including helping to build cells and produce hormones. The body makes cholesterol on its own, while diet can also influence cholesterol levels in the blood.
A cholesterol test commonly includes several measurements: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called “bad” cholesterol. When LDL levels are too high, it can contribute to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries. HDL (high-density lipoprotein), on the other hand, is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol back to the liver for processing and removal from the body.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood and are also included in a lipid profile. Test results should be interpreted as a whole and in the context of each person’s health condition and risk factors.
High cholesterol is not determined by age alone. Daily habits, certain health conditions, and genetic factors can all play a role.
Frequently consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats can contribute to higher LDL levels. It is therefore important to look at your overall eating pattern. Limit highly processed foods and foods high in unhealthy fats, and include more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and appropriate sources of protein.
Daily routines that involve prolonged sitting and little movement can be associated with an unhealthy cholesterol profile. You do not need to start with intense exercise. Walking, cycling, swimming, or other physical activities can be done regularly according to your ability and health condition.
Overweight and obesity can be associated with higher LDL and triglyceride levels and lower HDL levels. Maintaining a healthy weight is not simply about reaching a particular number on the scale; diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and other daily habits also matter.
Not all cases of high cholesterol are caused by lifestyle. Genetics can also play a role. One example is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition that can cause very high LDL levels from a young age. If close family members have high cholesterol or developed heart disease at a relatively young age, share this information with a healthcare professional.
Smoking can damage blood vessels and affect HDL levels. It is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are therefore important parts of protecting heart and blood-vessel health.
Certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and obesity, can be associated with an unhealthy cholesterol profile. Because each person’s condition is different, medical assessment is important for identifying relevant risk factors and determining appropriate next steps.
An important point to understand is that high cholesterol usually does not cause specific symptoms. A person can feel well and continue normal daily activities even when their blood cholesterol is high.
However, when cholesterol levels are extremely high or when plaque buildup has already affected the blood vessels, certain signs or symptoms may require attention:
Plaque buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart. In some cases, this may lead to chest pain or discomfort (angina).
Narrowed arteries can also reduce blood flow to the legs. One possible symptom is pain or cramping in the legs when walking or exercising.
In people with very high cholesterol, particularly those with inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, cholesterol deposits may appear as bumps on the skin or tendons (xanthomas) or around the eyelids (xanthelasma).
Corneal arcus appears as a white or grayish ring around the cornea. When it occurs at a young age, it may be associated with certain lipid disorders and should be evaluated further.
These signs and symptoms cannot be used to diagnose high cholesterol on your own. Because high cholesterol often causes no symptoms, a blood test or lipid profile is still needed to measure total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
One reason cholesterol levels deserve attention from a young age is their relationship with blood-vessel and heart health.
When LDL levels are too high, cholesterol can accumulate in artery walls and form plaque. Over time, this buildup can narrow the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form at the site. When the clot blocks blood flow to the heart muscle, it can trigger a heart attack.
However, having high cholesterol does not mean that someone will definitely have a heart attack. High cholesterol is one risk factor that should be considered alongside others, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, body weight, physical activity, age, and family history.
Knowing your cholesterol levels and risk factors early can help you take appropriate steps to support your heart health.
Managing cholesterol is one important part of supporting long-term heart health. Here are several habits you can start adopting:
Step |
What You Can Do |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Choose a More Balanced Diet |
Include more vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, and appropriate sources of protein. |
A balanced diet helps meet nutritional needs while supporting healthy cholesterol management. |
Limit Saturated Fat and Avoid Trans Fat |
Check nutrition labels and consider how food is prepared. Limit foods high in saturated fat and avoid trans fat as much as possible. |
Excessive saturated and trans fat intake can contribute to higher LDL or “bad” cholesterol. |
Stay Physically Active |
Exercise regularly through activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or other activities suited to your ability. |
Physical activity supports heart health, weight management, and a healthier cholesterol profile. |
Maintain a Healthy Weight for Your Body |
Adopt realistic, sustainable eating and activity habits. Consult a healthcare professional if you need individualized guidance. |
Excess weight can be associated with higher LDL and triglycerides and lower HDL. |
Avoid Smoking |
Stop smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. |
Smoking can damage blood vessels and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
Know Your Family History |
Find out whether close family members have high cholesterol or developed heart disease at a young age, and tell your healthcare professional. |
Genetic factors can affect cholesterol levels, including conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). |
Have Regular Health Checks |
Have a lipid profile that includes LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol according to medical advice. |
High cholesterol often causes no symptoms, so testing can help identify your cholesterol status and risk factors earlier. |
Disclaimer: The information above is general in nature and is not a substitute for diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment from a healthcare professional. Individual health conditions and needs may vary. Consult a healthcare professional for examinations and recommendations appropriate to your condition.
High cholesterol often causes no obvious symptoms. For that reason, do not wait until symptoms appear before finding out your cholesterol levels. A blood test can provide information about your lipid profile and can be part of identifying heart-disease risk factors early.
A cholesterol test commonly measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. These results should be considered together because each provides different information about fats in the blood.
Cholesterol testing can be included as part of a medical check-up or performed according to a healthcare professional’s recommendation. Testing may be particularly important if you have risk factors such as:
Family history, especially close relatives with high cholesterol or heart disease at a relatively young age.
Overweight or obesity, which can be associated with changes in LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels.
Diabetes, which can also increase cardiovascular risk.
Smoking, which can negatively affect blood-vessel and heart health.
A physically inactive lifestyle, especially if much of your day is spent sitting.
A diet high in saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to higher LDL levels.
Other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure or a history of heart disease.
If your test results show cholesterol levels that require attention, avoid diagnosing or deciding on treatment by yourself. A healthcare professional can assess the results together with your other risk factors and determine whether lifestyle changes, further testing, or medical treatment may be appropriate.
Knowing your cholesterol levels early is not only about managing numbers on a laboratory report. Managing cholesterol is also part of protecting blood-vessel health and reducing modifiable risk factors for heart disease, including heart attack.
High cholesterol is one of several factors that can increase the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, managing relevant risk factors, and having regular health checks are important parts of supporting heart health.
However, not every risk factor can be fully controlled. Age, certain health conditions, and family history can also play a role. A healthy lifestyle can help manage risk, but it cannot eliminate the possibility of a heart attack entirely.
A heart attack can also have financial consequences in addition to its health impact. Treatment and recovery may create additional needs and may affect daily activities and a person’s ability to work.
Therefore, alongside prevention and efforts to protect heart health, financial protection can also be considered as part of preparing for unexpected heart-attack risks.
Oona Heart Attack Insurance provides a cash benefit if the insured experiences a heart attack that meets the definition and terms stated in the policy. The benefit can provide financial support so you can focus more on recovery. Protecting your health is the first step; adding financial protection can be another way to help you and your family prepare for the financial impact of a heart attack.
Make sure you read and understand the benefits, requirements, terms and conditions, waiting period, and policy exclusions before purchasing the product.
