Cholesterol Concerns Among Young Adults

The numbers are going the wrong way in those between the ages of 25 and 34.

Doctors say older adults are getting the message when it comes to lowering their cholesterol, but a new study shows that’s not the case when it comes to younger adults.

Shortly after 32-year-old Jeff Monacky went to the doctor for a check-up, he received some news that would change his life. “About a week later… I got the results back and found out I was border-line high with a cholesterol level at about 225.” And he’s not alone.

While total cholesterol levels have decreased in older adults, numbers are going the wrong way in those between the ages of 25 and 34. The reason why isn’t hard to figure out, according to Dr. Susheel Atree. “It seems to be related to the fact that the population is having more problems with obesity, high blood pressure, as well as diabetes.”

Dr. Atree, at North Wake Internal Medicine Associates, says people should start being concerned about their cholesterol levels as early as age 20. “And, depending on somebody’s risk factors for coronary disease or what their cholesterol numbers come back as…we tend to repeat that on a one to five year basis until about the age of about 35.”

Earlier cholesterol problems can translate into earlier cardiovascular disease, specifically earlier heart attacks.

Cholesterol Care™