Genetics, diet, and body weight influence cholesterol levels as well as the blood lipid status of individuals in their 20s.
Generally, high cholesterol levels are more common in middle-aged or older adults. However, young people, even children, can experience elevated blood lipids, also known as hypercholesterolemia. According to a 2020 study, the younger the individual with high cholesterol, the greater the lifetime risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Experts have discovered that artery damage caused by elevated LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) can accumulate over time. Therefore, early treatment becomes especially important.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology indicates that 26.3 million young Americans (ages 18 to 39) had high LDL cholesterol levels in 2021, accounting for 27% of this age group. Elevated blood lipids often present no symptoms. Thus, the only way to know if you have the condition is through testing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.
Sometimes, high cholesterol levels at a young age are entirely dependent on genetics. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes the body to recycle LDL cholesterol abnormally. According to the American Heart Association, one in every 200 adults carries this gene mutation. If left untreated, it often progresses to heart disease and coronary artery disease.
For some individuals, other lifestyle factors play a significant role in causing high cholesterol, such as:
- Obesity.
- Cigarette smoking.
- History of certain medications.
- Inactive lifestyle.
A diet high in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars (and low in fiber) also significantly increases the risk of high cholesterol.
Diabetes also affects cholesterol levels. This condition, known as diabetic dyslipidemia, increases LDL cholesterol (harmful) and decreases HDL cholesterol (beneficial).
Simulation of artery blockage due to high cholesterol. (Image: Adobe Stock).
Young individuals have many options for treating high cholesterol. Some methods include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
- Consuming more fiber and antioxidants.
- Not smoking.
- Reducing alcohol intake.
- Using statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Increasing physical activity to at least 30 minutes a day.
The dangers of hyperlipidemia are extremely serious
What is hyperlipidemia? Dietary guidelines for those with hyperlipidemia
