When You’re in Your 20s, You Already Have High Cholesterol, Here Are the Possible Causes and How to Prevent It

Jakarta –

Recently, on social media X, a netizen shared his story of experiencing high cholesterol up to 270 mg/dL. Although he is still very young, that is 21 years old.

“Guys, I checked my cholesterol and it turned out that it was very high, up to 270, even though I’m only 21 years old. The pain is crazy,” he said in upload to his Menfess account, mentioned by detikcom some time ago.

“Can those of you who have high cholesterol change the symptoms you are experiencing and how to change your diet and lifestyle? I want to know from your experience so you can understand Better next steps. Thank you!” he continued again.

Actually, what causes the problem of high cholesterol to know many young people today? This is the full explanation from the doctor.

Unhealthy lifestyle

Heart and blood vessel specialist Dr BRM Ario Soeryo Kuncoro, SpJP(K), FIHA, FAsCC explained that high levels of bad cholesterol are caused by many factors, both internal and external. One of the most common is unhealthy lifestyle changes made by young people.

“For example, if a young person has high cholesterol and also smokes or lives an unhealthy lifestyle, the risk of heart disease will be greater,” explained Dr. Ario when he met with detikcom at Latha’s memorial The Heart of the World 2024 by the Heart of Indonesia Foundation (YJI) in Jakarta International Equestrian Park (JIEP) East Jakarta, Sunday (29/9/2024).

“The causes are varied, including internal factors that cause abnormal fat metabolism,” he said.

Affected food intake

Dr. Ario explained that exercise is an important factor in maintaining general body health. However, in some cases, exercise is used as ‘justification’ for achieving other unhealthy lifestyles.

“I see many young people join sports communities. But after exercise they smoke, eat food that is not good. Without being aware, this causes a negative effect,” explained Dr. Ario.

According to Dr. Ario, eating unhealthy food and smoking habits can be one of the problems with heart health.

“For example, only (unhealthy) food and cigarettes. Cigarettes have a clear risk (risk of) coronary heart disease. (Unhealthy) food can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and eventually coronary heart disease as well,” he said.

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