Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
ON September 29, the world marked World Heart Day, a time to remind ourselves about the importance of protecting the heart and blood vessels.
One of the biggest silent threats to heart health is cholesterol.
Many people hear the word often, but do not fully understand what it means. Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body actually needs in small amounts to build cells and make hormones.
The problem comes when there is too much of it in the blood, especially the harmful type often referred to as “bad cholesterol.”
Over time, the excess fat sticks to the walls of blood vessels, making them narrow and stiff, a process called atherosclerosis. This quietly raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The tricky thing with cholesterol is that most people will not feel unwell when their levels are high. It does not usually cause pain or any other obvious symptoms.
This is why doctors sometimes call it a silent problem. Some people only discover they have high cholesterol after a serious event such as chest pain, a heart attack or a stroke.
Because of this, it is wise to have your cholesterol checked regularly, especially if you already have risk factors like being overweight, having diabetes or high blood pressure, smoking, or having a close family member with heart disease.
Why does it matter so much?
When cholesterol builds up, it clogs the arteries that carry blood to the heart and brain. If one of these arteries becomes completely blocked, it can cut off the blood supply.
In the heart this causes a heart attack. In the brain it causes a stroke.
These are life-threatening emergencies and often leave people with long-term disability or even lead to sudden death. High cholesterol therefore does not just sit quietly in the background; it sets the stage for some of the most dangerous conditions known to medicine.
The good news is that cholesterol can be managed, and this is where World Heart Day’s message of prevention is so powerful. Everyday choices make a big difference. Eating less fried and fatty foods and more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and fish can help lower cholesterol naturally.
Regular exercise, even something as simple as brisk walking for 30 minutes most days of the week, keeps cholesterol in check and strengthens the heart.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol are also very important because both make the cholesterol problem worse. Keeping a healthy weight is another major step; even losing a few kilos can bring cholesterol down to safer levels.
Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough on their own, and this is when doctors may prescribe medication, often statins, to help reduce cholesterol. These medicines are very effective, but they work best when combined with healthy habits. People on treatment also need to continue regular check-ups to make sure their cholesterol levels remain under control.
World Heart Day reminds us that heart health is in our hands. Cholesterol may be silent, but it is not beyond our control. By checking our levels, making healthier choices, and following medical advice when necessary, we can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Every small change—choosing a healthier meal, taking a walk instead of sitting all day, saying no to smoking—adds up to a stronger heart and a longer life.
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