Cardiovascular health: not all cholesterol is bad, nor does every natural supplement replace medications

The overweight It has become one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular health in Peru. According to the World Obesity Atlas, a global report prepared by the World Obesity Federation, by 2030 the 77% of adult men and 80.6% of adult women in the country will have a body mass index (BMI) above normal levels.

This projection coincides with the recent evolution recorded at the national level. According to the Ministry of Health (Minsa), during 2025 overweight will reach 36.5% of the Peruvian population, while obesity continues to increase, especially in urban areas, increasing the risk of dyslipidemia, an alteration of lipids in the blood.

MIRA: The race to unravel the causes of migraine, one of the least understood disorders by science

Dyslipidemia occurs when lowers HDL cholesterol or “good cholesterol”, responsible for collecting excess fat from the arteries for elimination and, at the same time, increase LDL cholesterol or “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides. This imbalance favors the formation of plaques that can clog the arteries and lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes and metabolic diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver.

Despite its impact, dyslipidemia remains surrounded by myths. Among the most common are believing that all cholesterol is bad, that all fats should be eliminated from the diet, that natural supplements replace medications or that only overweight people can have high cholesterol. The false idea also persists that, when starting pharmacological treatment, you can neglect your diet.

“High cholesterol does not usually present obvious symptomsso many people underestimate their risk. “Misinformation and false beliefs can delay timely diagnosis and treatment that is key to preventing cardiovascular events.”mentioned Belen Rodríguez, nutritionist at RIMAC Seguros.

Overweight, obesity and physical inactivity aggravate this problem. Excess weight reduces protective cholesterol levels and raises triglycerides, while a sedentary lifestyle increases bad cholesterol and the accumulation of visceral fat, increasing cardiovascular and metabolic risk.

Prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia involves conscious and sustained changes in lifestyle. Simple actions, such as walking at least 30 minutes a day, improving diet, controlling weight and having professional support, can improve blood lipid levels and significantly reduce health risks.

“Dyslipidemia, overweight and a sedentary lifestyle form a circle that can be broken with reliable information, healthy habits and timely access to medical guidance, fundamental pillars to protect cardiovascular health and improve the quality of life of Peruvians”concluded Rodríguez from RIMAC Seguros.