World Heart Day: Why knowing your own LDL-C target matters more than a normal range
Cardiologists say a normal cholesterol reading is not enough; knowing your personal LDL-C target is key to heart health.
Most people in India know their cholesterol level, but very few know what their personal LDL-C target should be. Cardiologists say there is no one-size-fits-all approach to heart health.
When 34-year-old Vikram Desai got his annual health checkup report, his cholesterol level was within the standard range. Being fit and active, he assumed everything was fine. But after talking to his doctor, he understood an important distinction: a lab report only gives general information, while personal risk factors such as family history or diabetes determine a person's actual low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C, target.
Vikram's case reflects a growing reality in urban India. High cholesterol accounts for 7.8 percent of all deaths in the country, and 31 percent of people in India have elevated cholesterol levels. Indians tend to develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than people in western countries. Many people know their total cholesterol number, but very few know what their personal LDL-C target should be.
High LDL-C is often called a silent killer because it has no visible symptoms and slowly builds up fatty deposits, or plaque, in blood vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis. This can block blood flow to vital organs, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Being young, physically active or maintaining a healthy weight does not mean LDL-C levels will automatically stay within range.
Getting tested at a younger age is important to keep LDL cholesterol under control. The Cardiological Society of India (CSI) recommends a lipid profile test starting at age 18. Timely testing catches the problem before it becomes serious. Even people who appear healthy can have high LDL-C, so regular screening is important.
Dr Nimit Shah, consultant interventional cardiologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, said, "Early detection is not just about checking numbers. The LDL-C target is different for everyone and one approach does not work for all. Every person's age, family history and other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure are different risk factors that determine the LDL-C level. Keeping the LDL-C level within range is very important. Following the doctor's advice, staying informed about one's health condition and taking personal responsibility in this journey of cholesterol control are all necessary."
At the next health checkup, three key questions can help take charge of heart health: what is my LDL-C level today, what should my personal LDL-C target be, and is my level within my target range, and if not, what are my options.
Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, stress control and regular exercise help maintain heart health. Even so, these lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to keep LDL-C levels under control. In such cases, lipid-lowering medication becomes necessary, and long-term adherence to it is important.
