High Cholesterol in Millennials
Found throughout the body, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It also comes from certain foods, such as meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and seafood. Cholesterol plays a key role in building cells and producing certain vitamins and hormones. There are two main types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol.
Cholesterol is essential for good health, but too much “bad” cholesterol (or not enough “good” cholesterol) can be a problem. As it circulates in the bloodstream, LDL cholesterol can combine with other substances to form thick, hard deposits inside the arteries, causing these vital blood vessels to become narrow and inflexible. Known as atherosclerosis, this condition can lead to the formation of blood clots, which can block the arteries and significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Traditionally, high cholesterol has been mainly viewed as a health issue for older adults. This is due to several age-related changes that can affect liver function, metabolism, thyroid function, and body weight, making it more difficult for the body to filter and remove “bad” cholesterol. However, high cholesterol is now being diagnosed more frequently in millennials, particularly those in their 30s.
Early Cholesterol Problems in Young Adults
Experts believe high cholesterol is increasingly affecting millennials due to a combination of lifestyle factors, such as:
- Poor nutrition – Many young people tend to eat too many packaged snacks, processed foods, red meats, and full-fat dairy products, which are high in saturated and trans fats and can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
- Lack of physical activity – Too much sitting and screen time can lead to weight gain and increase “bad” cholesterol levels, while regular aerobic exercise can increase “good” cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Stress – Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can trigger a “fight or flight” response, which can increase blood sugar and fats. This in turn can cause the liver to produce more cholesterol and triglycerides, which can increase “bad” cholesterol levels.
- Tobacco use – In addition to damaging the arterial walls, smoking can lower HDL cholesterol levels and make LDL cholesterol stickier, which can lead to the buildup of artery-clogging fatty deposits.
High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it can be detected through a relatively simple blood test. For these reasons, it is important for everyone—including millennials—to monitor their cholesterol levels through routine testing and take steps to manage high cholesterol if necessary.
Cholesterol Reduction Tips for Millennials
The experienced medical team at South Tampa Immediate Care encourages young adults to get their cholesterol checked regularly and to adopt heart-healthy habits early on to prevent future complications. For instance, by making a few simple lifestyle changes, it may be possible to reduce LDL cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, for those who are taking prescription drugs to manage their cholesterol, dietary strategies to lower cholesterol can also enhance the beneficial effects of the medications.
