High Cholesterol in Thin People

From the American Heart Association newsletter, issue #4, May 2006:

Myth – Thin people don’t have to worry about cholesterol or heart disease.

Being thin doesn’t mean you can’t have high cholesterol. Remember only 20% of cholesterol comes from the food you eat. The best measure is to visit your healthcare provider and ask for a blood test to measure your cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone over age 20 have a blood test at least every five years. Ask your doctor to review the results and thoroughly explain each type of cholesterol and what you can do to improve your levels. The most important first steps are eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. For some people, diet and exercise are not enough to reduce their cholesterol numbers. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about how medication can help you manage your risk. Learn more.

Everyone has to watch their health no matter their size, shape, or color. When was the last time you had your cholesterol checked?

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