Alarming Rise in Heart Disease Deaths: The Silent Danger of High Cholesterol

A report published by the American Heart Association (AHA) reveals troubling data about the rising mortality from cardiovascular diseases. In 2022, approximately 941,000 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to these conditions — over 10,000 more than the previous year. The statistics show that someone dies from heart disease or related conditions every 34 seconds, with nearly 2,500 deaths per day.

In the U.S., cardiovascular disease causes more deaths than traffic accidents and cancer combined. This alarming increase is largely due to major risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension.

The rise in cardiovascular deaths is not random. Poor diet, smoking, and physical inactivity are key contributors to the development of heart disease. Despite growing awareness, many people still neglect to adopt a healthy lifestyle or undergo routine checkups that can aid in early diagnosis and risk reduction.

One of the main risk factors is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in every cell in the body, essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and bile acids, and supporting other biochemical processes.

There are two primary types of cholesterol:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein), commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol," tends to accumulate on arterial walls, creating fatty deposits that narrow the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or "good cholesterol," helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for breakdown and elimination from the body.

Maintaining a healthy balance between these two types of cholesterol through proper diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

High levels of "bad cholesterol" accelerate atherosclerosis, impair blood flow to the heart, and raise the chances of a heart attack. Therefore, elevated cholesterol levels are a major warning sign for potential cardiovascular issues.

The main causes of high LDL levels include unhealthy lifestyle habits, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, stress, and genetic predisposition. It is recommended to keep total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL. Levels between 200–239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high, and levels above 240 mg/dL indicate high risk. LDL cholesterol should ideally remain below 140 mg/dL, or even lower in individuals with additional risk factors.

Initial diagnosis of high cholesterol is done through a simple blood test called a “lipid profile.” Even healthy individuals should take this test every few years, while those with risk factors should be tested more frequently. Abnormal blood lipid levels significantly raise the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes or medical treatment if necessary.

If high cholesterol is detected, it's essential to adopt a healthier lifestyle — improve your diet, quit smoking, exercise regularly, and reduce alcohol consumption. Mental stress also affects physical health, and therefore stress management is also encouraged.

Although the report’s findings are concerning, the good news is that high cholesterol is a manageable risk factor. With regular medical follow-ups and meaningful lifestyle changes, it's possible to significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Health funds encourage people to undergo routine lipid tests, but the responsibility lies with the individual. High cholesterol is a “silent” danger, but it can be detected and treated in time, thereby saving lives.