Latest news with #NaveenBhamri
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Think you're too young for cholesterol test? What is the right age? Check hidden signs
What Makes Cholesterol Dangerous? Check Symptoms Role of Genetics and Lifestyle in Early Heart Disease Risks of Ignoring High Cholesterol How and When to Get Tested LDL: Less than 100 mg/dL HDL: 40 mg/dL or higher Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL Tips to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Follow a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables Limit intake of saturated fats, red meat, and processed foods Engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week Avoid smoking and manage alcohol consumption Prioritize stress management through mindfulness or therapy Ensure adequate sleep and get regular health checkups Cholesterol is often overlooked by young adults who believe heart health is only a concern later in life. But health experts now warn that waiting too long to get tested could carry serious risks. With lifestyle-related conditions on the rise, cardiologists are urging people to begin cholesterol checks much earlier than traditionally recommended. Early screening and preventive habits, they say, can play a key role in avoiding long-term damage to the heart and Naveen Bhamri, MD, DM (Cardiology), shared in a recent Instagram video that the ideal age to begin cholesterol screening is 20, not 40. His advice highlights the importance of early detection, especially for individuals with a family history of heart disease or other risk this recommendation, the American Heart Association also stresses that early screening significantly reduces the chances of developing cardiovascular disease over a lifetime. Routine monitoring helps identify elevated cholesterol levels before they cause long-term arterial a fatty substance produced by the liver, is crucial for building cells and producing certain hormones. However, its excess—especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad cholesterol"—can be harmful. As reported by Healthline, LDL cholesterol can accumulate in artery walls, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol," helps remove excess LDL from the of the biggest challenges with high cholesterol is that it typically shows no symptoms. In most cases, individuals only discover they have elevated cholesterol after experiencing serious cardiovascular events. Some potential late-stage signs include chest pain, fatigue, or fatty deposits near the eyes and joints. By the time these symptoms appear, significant internal damage may have already Bhamri points out that an increasing number of young adults are developing heart issues due to a mix of genetic predisposition and poor lifestyle choices. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) contribute to the risk. Additionally, smoking, alcohol use, chronic stress, sedentary jobs, poor diets, and obesity all play major roles in elevating cholesterol are also hereditary conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes extremely high cholesterol levels even in youth. According to Healthline, people with this disorder may have cholesterol levels exceeding 300 mg/dL and develop visible signs like yellowish skin patches or cholesterol can lead to severe outcomes such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Healthline notes that coronary artery disease occurs when plaque buildup narrows the arteries supplying the heart, often without warning signs. Eventually, the buildup may rupture and form clots that block blood flow, causing a heart strokes can result from reduced blood supply to the brain, while PAD restricts circulation in limbs, leading to cramping, ulcers, and in extreme cases, amputation. These complications often manifest only after extensive plaque high cholesterol is straightforward through a blood test known as a lipid panel. This test measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Doctors typically recommend fasting for 12 hours before the test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists desirable cholesterol levels as:If results are normal, retesting every 4–6 years is usually sufficient. However, those with risk factors such as obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease may need more frequent minimize risk, cardiologists recommend adopting heart-friendly habits early in life:Cholesterol screening should begin at age 20, particularly for individuals with genetic or lifestyle risk factors. As emphasized by Dr. Bhamri and confirmed by leading health sources like Healthline and the American Heart Association, early detection and prevention are key to reducing cardiovascular risk. Ignoring high cholesterol due to a lack of symptoms can have irreversible consequences. A simple blood test today could protect your heart for decades to come.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Think you're too young for cholesterol test? What is the right age? Check hidden signs
Early Cholesterol Screening Could Save Your Heart Cholesterol is often overlooked by young adults who believe heart health is only a concern later in life. But health experts now warn that waiting too long to get tested could carry serious risks. With lifestyle-related conditions on the rise, cardiologists are urging people to begin cholesterol checks much earlier than traditionally recommended. Early screening and preventive habits, they say, can play a key role in avoiding long-term damage to the heart and arteries. Dr. Naveen Bhamri, MD, DM (Cardiology), shared in a recent Instagram video that the ideal age to begin cholesterol screening is 20, not 40. His advice highlights the importance of early detection, especially for individuals with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors. Backing this recommendation, the American Heart Association also stresses that early screening significantly reduces the chances of developing cardiovascular disease over a lifetime. Routine monitoring helps identify elevated cholesterol levels before they cause long-term arterial a fatty substance produced by the liver, is crucial for building cells and producing certain hormones. However, its excess—especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad cholesterol"—can be harmful. As reported by Healthline, LDL cholesterol can accumulate in artery walls, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol," helps remove excess LDL from the bloodstream. One of the biggest challenges with high cholesterol is that it typically shows no symptoms. In most cases, individuals only discover they have elevated cholesterol after experiencing serious cardiovascular events. Some potential late-stage signs include chest pain, fatigue, or fatty deposits near the eyes and joints. By the time these symptoms appear, significant internal damage may have already occurred. Dr. Bhamri points out that an increasing number of young adults are developing heart issues due to a mix of genetic predisposition and poor lifestyle choices. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) contribute to the risk. Additionally, smoking, alcohol use, chronic stress, sedentary jobs, poor diets, and obesity all play major roles in elevating cholesterol are also hereditary conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes extremely high cholesterol levels even in youth. According to Healthline, people with this disorder may have cholesterol levels exceeding 300 mg/dL and develop visible signs like yellowish skin patches or cholesterol can lead to severe outcomes such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Healthline notes that coronary artery disease occurs when plaque buildup narrows the arteries supplying the heart, often without warning signs. Eventually, the buildup may rupture and form clots that block blood flow, causing a heart strokes can result from reduced blood supply to the brain, while PAD restricts circulation in limbs, leading to cramping, ulcers, and in extreme cases, amputation. These complications often manifest only after extensive plaque high cholesterol is straightforward through a blood test known as a lipid panel. This test measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Doctors typically recommend fasting for 12 hours before the test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists desirable cholesterol levels as: LDL: Less than 100 mg/dL HDL: 40 mg/dL or higher Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL If results are normal, retesting every 4–6 years is usually sufficient. However, those with risk factors such as obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease may need more frequent minimize risk, cardiologists recommend adopting heart-friendly habits early in life: Follow a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables Limit intake of saturated fats, red meat, and processed foods Engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week Avoid smoking and manage alcohol consumption Prioritize stress management through mindfulness or therapy Ensure adequate sleep and get regular health checkups Cholesterol screening should begin at age 20, particularly for individuals with genetic or lifestyle risk factors. As emphasized by Dr. Bhamri and confirmed by leading health sources like Healthline and the American Heart Association, early detection and prevention are key to reducing cardiovascular risk. Ignoring high cholesterol due to a lack of symptoms can have irreversible consequences. A simple blood test today could protect your heart for decades to come.
Hindustan Times
05-08-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
At what age should you first get your cholesterol checked? Cardiologist reveals: 'If you have a strong family history…'
Cholesterol is a type of lipid that your body needs to function. It forms part of your cell membranes, helps your liver make bile and serves as a building block for hormones. However, the problem arises when you have high levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood. This can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore, early detection is important, as it can often lead to you taking up life-changing measures. Most people check their cholesterol only when they have a problem. But the question is – when should one check their cholesterol for the first time?(Image by Freepik) Also Read | Cardiothoracic surgeon explains why young people are at risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest; can it be prevented? So, when should you get your cholesterol checked? What is the correct age to get it done for the first time? In an Instagram video post on July 22, Dr Naveen Bhamri, MD, DM (cardiology), revealed the right age to get your cholesterol checked for the first time. He wrote, 'Most people check their cholesterol only when they have a problem…But the question is – when should one check their cholesterol for the first time?' Let's find out what the doctor said. At what age should you first check your cholesterol levels? According to the cardiologist, the general recommendation suggests that a person should get their cholesterol checked at the age of 20 years, and it should be done with a fasting lipid profile. What if the data comes back normal? He said that if your tests show a normal number, then you should repeat the tests after 4-6 years. If you have a strong family history of heart disease, then get your cholesterol checked as early as possible. (Pexels) In case of high-risk patients… However, the story changes if you are a high-risk patient or have a family history. The cardiologist stressed that if you come under the high-risk category, for instance, you have a strong history of heart disease in your family, you have diabetes, you have high blood pressure, you are obese, you smoke regularly, you have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), or you lead a sedentary lifestyle, then you should get your cholesterol checked as early as possible. He added that Indian guidelines say that one should get their first lipid profile done as early as the age of 12 years if they are obese and have a strong family history. 'So, lifestyle changes at an early age can prevent heart disease later,' Dr Bhamri added in the end. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
