Thin is not necessarily cholesterol free

Jakarta, Investor.id – Fat is often considered to have many diseases or high cholesterol. But in fact, even thin people have the potential to have high cholesterol. According to Dr. Fridolin Seto Pandu, manager of Sequis Medical Underwriter, a fat or thin body cannot be used as a benchmark for free from cholesterol. “Because what is often called high cholesterol is an imbalance between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. This disease is called dyslipidemia and is mostly caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, ”he explained.

Fridolin advises those who are over 25 years of age to do a medical check-up. With a medical check-up, we can find out the levels of fat in the body, namely LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), Triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels (the accumulation of the three types of cholesterol).

Fridolin said, dyslipidemia or fat metabolism disorder is characterized by an increase or decrease in the type of fat in the blood plasma. The main types of fat disorders are an increase in total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and a decrease in HDL cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, this often shows no symptoms, especially if a person’s posture looks thin and proportional, so it is more difficult to detect early if there is no routine examination.

LDL is cholesterol that can build up in the blood vessels, making the arteries narrow. This condition can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. LDL levels can be monitored by monitoring the threshold. Normal / optimal (190mg/DL).

Meanwhile, HDL is responsible for transporting cholesterol from blood vessels or other tissues back to the liver. HDL threshold: low ( mg / DL). Triglycerides are fat levels that come from burning unused calories. When we eat, our bodies receive calories and are used for bodily activities. Unused calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Threshold: normal ( 500 mg/DL).

While Total Cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in the body. The consistency is similar to fat or wax and can be found in all cells in the body in sufficient quantities. Serves for cell regeneration, hormone production, forming vitamin D and in the digestive process. The ideal normal cholesterol limit (240 mg/DL).

The level of each of these fats can be determined through blood tests in the laboratory. Ideally, checked and monitored as well as the condition of the 3 fat levels. Checking cholesterol levels should be done regularly every 5 years. However, if you have the potential for high cholesterol, you should check it every 6 months to once a year. “If the results of the examination show blood fat levels are above normal, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to get the right tips and treatment. If not treated immediately, there will be a risk of various diseases, especially coronary heart disease and stroke, “suggested dr. Fridolin.

Those classified as high risk include men over 45 years and women over 55 years and those who have a history of hypertension, day disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency), kidney disorders, lack of physical activity, and a family history of cholesterol, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

Mager when WFH has the potential for cholesterol disorders

“The risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus is very high for those who are still working outside the home. Meanwhile, those who work at home may be able to avoid it, but most of them become less mobile so that they do not realize that their body weight is not only increasing, they are also at risk of developing dyslipidemia and other diseases due to cholesterol. We need to care about health by living a healthy lifestyle and treating diseases. Moreover, if you are at risk, ”advises the doctor Fridolin.

This healthy lifestyle includes avoiding foods that contain high cholesterol such as fast food, fried foods, processed meats, such as sausages and chicken nuggets, seafood, offal, full cream milk, and coconut milk foods. Don’t smoke and cut back on alcohol. You should also regularly do physical activity and exercise and get enough rest. Meanwhile, treatment is carried out in response to the results of a medical check-up to minimize the potential for the spread of the disease so that efforts to return to normal.

The community is also advised to have health insurance so that if there is a risk of illness they can get the best treatment because there is already insurance that will cover the cost of treatment as written on the policy contract. This is because the cost of hospital treatment is not cheap and continues to rise in line with rising inflation. So, before getting sick, immediately have insurance. Meanwhile, if you already have a history of cholesterol, you may still be able to get insurance, but it will go through several stages, such as fulfilling health check requirements, risk assessment, extra premiums, and waiting time before you can enjoy the health insurance benefits.

Throughout 2020, Sequis has paid health claims for cholesterol-related diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke through Sequis Q Infinite MedCare Rider (SQIMC) and Sequis Q Health Platinum Plus (SQHPP) products. Through SQIMC products, Sequis has paid health claims for coronary heart disease amounting to IDR 1.26 billion. Meanwhile, through the SQHPP product, Sequis has paid health claims for coronary heart disease of IDR 1.38 billion. Regarding stroke, Sequis has also paid health claims through SQHPP products amounting to more than IDR 455 million.

Editor : Maswin ([email protected] )