From assuming young people don’t get high cholesterol to relying solely on ‘normal’ lab ranges, cardiologists debunk widespread heart health misconceptions this World Heart Day.
AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 29th SEPTEMBER 2026 | In India, heart disease is no longer a condition that waits for old age. Research shows Indians develop cardiovascular issues 10 to 15 years earlier than Western populations.[1] Yet, despite growing health awareness, widespread misconceptions about Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly known as “bad cholesterol”, continue to keep millions from taking timely action.
Dr. Milan Chag, Interventional and Heart Transplant Cardiologist, Lipidologist and Preventive Cardiologist, Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad , says” Most of people are unaware of their LDLC levels or they don’t know the desired levels. Another common misconception is that patients equate a good lifestyle with appropriate cholesterol levels or they believe that one should not worry about it till one is older. They are unaware that high cholesterol is not only related to the poor lifestyle but is more often genetically determined and hereditary and even seemingly healthy individuals can have high LDLC. It’s important to get the levels checked, starting at age 18 years but should do even at 2 years of age if both parents have very high lipids (familial hypercholesterolemia) or already have an established heart disease. Along with a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to seek therapy if healthy lifestyle alone does not give the desired level in 3 to 6 months. Studies show that cardiac events are reduced by 30-50% by taking statin group of drugs to achieve target LDL of < 100 mg/dL if no risk factors or to < 70 mg/dL if have risk factors. With established heart disease or risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, strong family history of heart disease or with history of tobacco use, LDL target may be even < 50 mg/ dL. If target LDL is not achieved, one can take additional Ezetimibe or Bempedoic acid (after advice of their doctors) which are safe and effective. When traditional medicine doesn’t show the desired result, advanced therapies in injectable form such as PCK9 inhibitors or inclisiran can be added; these are usually indicated in those who can not achieve target LDL goals or have side effects of the first line oral medication or those who have familial dyslipidemia. Like vaccines, Inclisiran has an advantage of just having two doses every year to keep LDL at the desired level.”
The Cardiology Society of India (CSI) recommends starting routine lipid profile checkups from age 18.[2] This World Heart Day, we bust five common cholesterol myths to help you protect your heart’s future.
Myth 1: “I’m young, fit, and active, so my cholesterol can’t be high.”
- FACT: Fitness and youth do not make you immune to high cholesterol. High LDL-C often has underlying genetic drivers or metabolic factors that dietary habits or exercise alone cannot fully address. Even young adults who eat clean and work out regularly can have elevated LDL levels that silently damage artery walls over time.
Myth 2: “If my report says my cholesterol is within the standard lab range, I’m completely safe.”
- FACT: A standard laboratory reference range represents a general population baseline—it is not your personal target. Cardiovascular risk is not one-size-fits-all. Cardiologists determine your specific LDL-C target based on your overall risk profile.
Myth 3: “High cholesterol causes noticeable symptoms like chest pain or fatigue.”
- FACT: High LDL-C is a “silent” risk factor with zero physical symptoms. It quietly builds plaque in your arteries without causing discomfort until a significant blockage or sudden cardiac event occurs. Feeling completely healthy is not a guarantee that your LDL-C is at target.
Myth 4: “Once I start eating healthy and exercising, I don’t need cholesterol medication.”
- FACT: While a balanced diet, stress management, and routine exercise are fundamental for heart health, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient to bring LDL-C down to your personalized goal. Lipid-lowering therapy is often a long-term commitment. If standard treatments fall short, advanced therapeutic options (such as targeted injectable therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors or siRNA-based treatments) are available for high-risk individuals.
Myth 5: “My stent or bypass procedure fixed my heart, so I’m completely cured.”
- FACT: A stent opens a specific blocked vessel and a bypass surgery re-routes blood flow, but neither procedure stops cholesterol from circulating in the bloodstream. Unmanaged LDL-C can continue to build plaque in other blood vessels. Post-procedure patients require strict, ongoing cholesterol management to maintain their LDL-C target (below 55 mg/dL)[3] and prevent future events.
This World Heart Day, take charge of your numbers, know your personal LDL-C goal, and keep your heart safe for the long run.
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