What Causes High Cholesterol Before 40?

High cholesterol is often associated with older adults, but an increasing number of people under 40 are being diagnosed with elevated cholesterol levels.

This trend is concerning because high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Understanding what causes high cholesterol at a younger age is essential for preventing long-term health problems.

In this blog, we'll explore the various factors that can contribute to high cholesterol before 40 and offer insights into how you can manage and reduce your risk.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. It plays a role in producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.

Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, but having too much can lead to health problems. Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in small packages called lipoproteins, which are made up of fat (lipid) on the inside and protein on the outside.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL can build up in the walls of your arteries, making them narrow and hard. This can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries and transports it back to the liver, where it's processed and eliminated from the body.

What Counts as High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. Here’s a general guideline for what counts as high cholesterol:

• Total Cholesterol:
• Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL
• High: 240 mg/dL and above

• LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol):
• Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Near Optimal/Above Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
• High: 160-189 mg/dL
• Very High: 190 mg/dL and above

• HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol):
• Low (and a risk factor for heart disease): Less than 40 mg/dL (for men), Less than 50 mg/dL (for women)
• High (and protective against heart disease): 60 mg/dL and above

The Main Causes of High Cholesterol in People Under 40

Here are some of the main reasons why someone under 40 may develop health issues related to cholesterol.

Genetic Factors

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH): One of the most significant genetic causes of high cholesterol is Familial Hypercholesterolemia, a condition that results in extremely high LDL cholesterol levels from a young age. FH is an inherited disorder, meaning it can be passed down through families. If left untreated, it can lead to premature heart disease.
• Other Genetic Predispositions: Apart from FH, other less common genetic variations can affect how your body processes cholesterol, leading to higher levels even with a healthy lifestyle. People with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease should be especially vigilant about their cholesterol levels.

Lifestyle Choices

• Diet: A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can contribute significantly to elevated cholesterol levels. Foods like red meat, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and baked goods made with hydrogenated oils can increase LDL cholesterol.
• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for high cholesterol. Regular physical activity helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Lack of exercise, particularly in younger people, can lead to an unfavorable cholesterol profile.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them more prone to accumulating fatty deposits, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels. It also lowers HDL cholesterol, which helps protect against heart disease. Young smokers are at a particularly high risk of developing high cholesterol.
• Alcohol Consumption: While moderate alcohol consumption may have a positive effect on HDL cholesterol, excessive drinking can lead to higher levels of triglycerides and, in some cases, elevated LDL cholesterol. For younger people, heavy drinking is a significant risk factor for high cholesterol and other related health issues.

Medical Conditions

• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to increased levels of LDL cholesterol. The thyroid gland plays an important role in metabolism, and when it's not functioning properly, cholesterol levels can rise, even in younger people.
• Diabetes: Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, can lead to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while lowering HDL cholesterol. Young adults with diabetes or prediabetes are at increased risk for developing high cholesterol.
• Liver and Kidney Diseases: These organs are crucial for metabolizing and eliminating cholesterol from the body. When they’re not functioning properly, cholesterol can accumulate in the bloodstream. Conditions like chronic kidney disease or liver cirrhosis can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women that can affect cholesterol levels. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol, putting them at greater risk for heart disease at a younger age.

Medications

• Certain Prescription Drugs: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, certain diuretics, and beta-blockers, can increase cholesterol levels as a side effect. If you're on long-term medication, it’s important to monitor your cholesterol regularly.
• Hormonal Birth Control: Some forms of hormonal birth control, particularly those containing progestin, can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. Women using these contraceptives should be aware of the potential impact on their cholesterol levels.
• Other Medications: Other medications, such as those used to treat acne or inflammation, can also have an impact on cholesterol levels, especially if used over an extended period.

Environmental and Social Factors

• Stress: Chronic stress has been linked to higher cholesterol levels. When you're stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can increase cholesterol production in the liver. Young adults facing high levels of stress, whether from work, school, or personal life, may see an increase in cholesterol levels.
• Sleep Patterns: Poor sleep, whether due to sleep disorders or inconsistent sleep patterns, can negatively affect cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that insufficient or poor-quality sleep can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol, contributing to an increased risk of heart disease in younger individuals.

Taking Back Control Over Your Cholesterol

By adopting healthy habits early on, you can reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and its associated complications. Here are some tips:

1. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet. Start by adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to your diet. At the same time, you want to limit saturated and trans fats.
2. Stay Physically Active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and running are excellent for improving cardiovascular health and managing cholesterol.
3. Avoid Crash Diets: Extreme dieting can lead to short-term weight loss but may also cause your cholesterol levels to fluctuate. Focus on making long-term, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle.
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. It’s also important to stick to the recommended guidelines for alcohol: up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
5. Manage Stress. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and mindfulness can help you manage stress effectively.
6. Get Regular Health Check-Ups. Even if you’re young, it’s important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. Early detection of high cholesterol allows you to take steps to manage it before it leads to more serious health problems.
7. Consider Supplements. Supplements such as Alestra from Vita Sciences are designed to complement a healthy lifestyle, making it easier to give your heart and arteries the support they need.

Final Thoughts

Having to deal with high cholesterol when you’re under the age of 40 isn’t ideal, but there are a number of steps you can take to improve your health.

Always consult with your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and discuss the steps you are looking to take before you start making them for the best outcomes.