What Is Arteriosclerosis? Dyslipidemia, LDL Cholesterol and Lifestyle Habits for Vascular Health

“My health check showed that my LDL cholesterol is high, but I feel perfectly well.”

“I often hear the term arteriosclerosis, but what actually happens inside the arteries?”

“Does having high cholesterol mean that I will definitely develop atherosclerosis?”

These are common questions, particularly after receiving the results of a routine health check.

Arteriosclerosis is a broad term describing changes in the arteries in which the arterial walls become thicker, harder or otherwise altered in structure and function.

It is sometimes described simply as “ageing of the arteries,” but age alone does not determine whether or how these changes develop.

Dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity and several other factors can all contribute to cardiovascular risk.

In particular, a high level of LDL cholesterol is an important risk factor when considering atherosclerosis, a major form of arteriosclerosis.

At the same time, cholesterol and triglycerides are not simply “bad” substances. They also have important roles in the body.

Rather than thinking of all dietary fat or cholesterol as something to avoid, it is more useful to understand your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while also considering factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking and body weight.

In this guide, we explain what arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are, how they relate to dyslipidemia and LDL cholesterol, the major risk factors and tests, and the everyday diet and lifestyle habits worth considering for vascular and cardiovascular health.

What Is Arteriosclerosis? It Is More Than Simply “Ageing of the Arteries”

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood pumped from the heart to tissues and organs throughout the body.

Healthy arteries have a degree of elasticity. Over time, however, ageing and various cardiovascular risk factors can contribute to changes in the arterial walls, including thickening, stiffening and narrowing of the space through which blood flows.

“Arteriosclerosis” is a broad term used to describe these structural and functional changes in the arteries.

Because these changes become more common with age, arteriosclerosis is sometimes described as “ageing of the arteries.”

However, age is only one part of the picture.

Factors associated with cardiovascular and atherosclerotic risk include:

• High LDL cholesterol and other forms of dyslipidemia
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and elevated blood glucose
• Smoking
• Obesity, particularly excess visceral fat
• Physical inactivity
• Genetic factors and family history

For this reason, vascular health should not be viewed simply as something determined by age.

Knowing your health check results and gradually addressing modifiable lifestyle factors can be an important part of looking after your long-term cardiovascular health.

How Does Atherosclerosis Develop?

There are several forms of arteriosclerosis.

One of the most important in relation to heart attack and ischemic stroke is atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis involves the development of lesions known as plaques within the walls of arteries, with cholesterol-containing particles, inflammatory cells and other substances contributing to this complex process.

The biology is complicated, but the general process can be understood as follows.

1. LDL-containing particles enter the arterial wall
   The accumulation of cholesterol carried by LDL-containing particles within the arterial wall is involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
2. Inflammatory processes occur within the artery wall
   Changes to retained LDL particles can contribute to inflammatory responses and the recruitment of immune cells.
3. Atherosclerotic plaque develops
   Macrophages can take up modified lipoproteins and become foam cells. Together with other changes in the arterial wall, this contributes to plaque formation.
4. The artery may become narrowed
   As a plaque develops, the space available for blood to flow through the artery may become narrower and blood flow can be affected.
5. A blood clot may form if a plaque ruptures
   If a vulnerable plaque ruptures, platelets and other components of the clotting system may accumulate at the site and form a thrombus.

If a clot suddenly blocks blood flow through an important artery, it can contribute to serious cardiovascular events. In the heart, this may result in myocardial infarction (heart attack); in the brain, it may result in ischemic stroke.

Therefore, the concern with atherosclerosis is not simply that an artery becomes “hard.”

The changes occurring within the arterial wall can eventually interfere with blood flow to vital organs.

There Are Other Forms of Arteriosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is not the only type of arteriosclerosis.

Other forms include changes involving calcification of the arterial media and changes affecting smaller arteries and arterioles, including those supplying organs such as the kidneys and brain.

However, when discussing cholesterol, dyslipidemia, heart attack and ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis is generally the form of greatest relevance.

How Are Atherosclerosis and Dyslipidemia Related?

To understand atherosclerosis, it is useful to understand the term dyslipidemia.

Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal levels of lipids or lipoproteins in the blood. This may include:

• High LDL cholesterol
• Low HDL cholesterol
• High triglycerides

An important point is that cholesterol and other lipids are not inherently harmful substances.

Cholesterol is used by the body as a component of cell membranes and as a precursor for steroid hormones and bile acids.

Triglycerides also have important roles as an energy source and as a form of stored energy.

The concern arises when lipid abnormalities such as persistently high LDL cholesterol occur, particularly when combined with other cardiovascular risk factors.

What Is the Difference Between LDL, HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides?

What Is LDL Cholesterol?

Because cholesterol does not dissolve freely in water, it is transported through the bloodstream within particles called lipoproteins.

LDL is one of these lipoproteins and is involved in transporting cholesterol from the liver to tissues throughout the body.

LDL therefore has a normal biological role. However, persistently elevated LDL cholesterol is an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

This is why LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,” although this nickname should not be interpreted to mean that LDL itself has no physiological purpose.

What Is HDL Cholesterol?

HDL is another type of lipoprotein involved in transporting cholesterol through the bloodstream.

It participates in processes that transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues toward the liver and is therefore commonly referred to as “good cholesterol.”

However, it is not accurate to assume that the higher the HDL cholesterol level, the better, or that increasing HDL alone is the goal.

When interpreting a lipid profile, HDL cholesterol should be considered alongside LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and other cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, blood glucose and smoking.

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a form of fat used and stored by the body as an energy source.

They can come from dietary fat and can also be produced in the body from excess energy.

Triglycerides are therefore a normal and necessary part of human metabolism.

However, elevated triglyceride levels can occur alongside other lipid abnormalities, excess body weight, metabolic conditions and certain dietary or lifestyle patterns.

If a health check shows elevated triglycerides, it can be useful to consider factors such as alcohol intake, sugar-sweetened drinks, sweets and desserts, overall energy intake, body weight and physical activity.

Dyslipidemia Often Causes No Noticeable Symptoms

One of the important things to understand about dyslipidemia is that it often causes no obvious symptoms.

You may feel perfectly well even when LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels are elevated.

For this reason, it is not advisable to assume:

“I feel healthy, so there cannot be a problem.”

or

“I do not have any symptoms, so I can ignore my health check results.”

Routine health checks and blood tests may identify changes in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose or blood pressure before you notice anything unusual yourself.

Knowing your numbers while you still feel well can provide an opportunity to better understand your health and take appropriate action when needed.

Next, we will look at how atherosclerosis can affect arteries supplying the heart, brain, legs and other parts of the body, as well as the major risk factors beyond cholesterol.

What Health Conditions Can Be Associated with Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis may develop without noticeable symptoms, particularly in its earlier stages.

However, if an artery becomes significantly narrowed or a blood clot forms after an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, blood flow to the tissues or organs supplied by that artery may be reduced or suddenly interrupted.

The conditions and symptoms that develop depend on which arteries are affected.

Arteries of the Heart | Angina and Heart Attack

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle.

If a coronary artery becomes narrowed by atherosclerosis and blood flow to the heart muscle becomes insufficient, symptoms such as chest pain or pressure may occur, particularly during physical activity. This can occur with angina.

If an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures and a blood clot rapidly blocks a coronary artery, part of the heart muscle can be damaged. This is known as a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

Sudden or severe chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating or other symptoms that may suggest a heart attack require urgent medical attention.

Arteries Supplying the Brain | Ischemic Stroke

If blood flow through an artery supplying the brain becomes blocked, an ischemic stroke can occur.

Warning signs can include the sudden onset of:

• Weakness or drooping on one side of the face
• Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Difficulty understanding what another person is saying

These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Even if the symptoms improve or disappear after a short time, they should not simply be ignored. Prompt medical assessment is important.

Arteries of the Legs | Peripheral Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis can also affect arteries supplying the legs, contributing to peripheral artery disease (PAD).

One characteristic symptom is intermittent claudication, in which pain or discomfort develops in the calf or other leg muscles during walking and improves with rest.

More advanced disease can sometimes cause pain even at rest or contribute to wounds that are slow to heal.

The Aorta | Aortic Aneurysm

Ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and other factors can be associated with diseases affecting the aorta, the body's largest artery.

An aortic aneurysm occurs when part of the aorta becomes abnormally enlarged or bulges outward.

Some aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms and are discovered during imaging performed for another reason. Depending on their location, size and other characteristics, medical monitoring or treatment may be required.

Arteries Supplying the Kidneys Can Also Be Affected

The kidneys receive a substantial blood supply and are closely connected with cardiovascular health.

Atherosclerosis can affect the arteries supplying the kidneys, and these changes may be considered alongside factors such as blood pressure and kidney function.

Atherosclerosis is therefore not simply a problem involving the arteries themselves.

Because arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, vascular health is closely connected with the health of the heart, brain, kidneys, legs and other organs.

It Is Not Only About LDL | Major Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

When people learn about atherosclerosis, it is easy to assume that lowering cholesterol is the only thing that matters.

However, cardiovascular risk is not determined by LDL cholesterol alone.

Important risk factors can include:

• High LDL cholesterol and other forms of dyslipidemia
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and elevated blood glucose
• Smoking
• Obesity, particularly excess visceral fat
• Physical inactivity
• Increasing age
• Family history and genetic factors
• Certain medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease

When several risk factors occur together, the overall risk of cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and ischemic stroke may be higher.

This is why a health check should not be viewed only as a cholesterol test.

Blood pressure, blood glucose, body weight, smoking and other aspects of health can provide important information when considered alongside your lipid profile.

High Blood Pressure

Persistently high blood pressure places additional strain on the arteries and heart and is an important cardiovascular risk factor.

Like dyslipidemia, high blood pressure often causes no obvious symptoms.

For some people, home blood pressure monitoring can provide useful additional information alongside measurements taken during health checks or medical appointments.

Diabetes and High Blood Glucose

Diabetes is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you have been told that your blood glucose or HbA1c is elevated, these results should be considered together with your blood pressure, lipid profile and other health factors.

Smoking

Smoking is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

For people who smoke, stopping smoking is one of the most important lifestyle changes to consider for cardiovascular health.

Obesity and Visceral Fat

Body weight alone does not determine whether someone is healthy.

However, excess visceral fat can occur alongside high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels and impaired glucose metabolism.

For this reason, it can be useful to consider waist circumference, blood pressure and blood test results alongside body weight rather than focusing on the number on the scale alone.

Age and Family History

Some cardiovascular risk factors, such as age and genetic predisposition, cannot be changed.

Rather than focusing only on factors outside your control, it can be more useful to pay attention to modifiable factors such as smoking, diet and physical activity.

Does High LDL Cholesterol Mean You Will Definitely Develop Atherosclerosis?

High LDL cholesterol is an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

However, a single health check showing elevated LDL cholesterol does not by itself tell you how much atherosclerosis is already present or exactly what your future cardiovascular risk will be.

Risk assessment may take into account a range of factors, including age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, kidney function, family history and whether you have previously experienced cardiovascular disease such as a heart attack or stroke.

For the same reason, the LDL cholesterol level considered appropriate as a treatment target can differ depending on an individual's overall cardiovascular risk and medical history.

Rather than deciding from one number that you are either “safe” or “at risk,” it is important to understand the broader picture of your cardiovascular health.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia | High LDL Cholesterol Can Also Affect Younger People

High cholesterol is sometimes thought of as something that develops only in middle age or later life.

However, this is not always the case.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition that can cause very high LDL cholesterol levels from an early age.

Because exposure to high LDL cholesterol can begin early in life, identifying and appropriately managing FH is important.

Medical assessment may be particularly worth discussing if:

• Your LDL cholesterol has been very high from a relatively young age
• Several members of your family have high cholesterol
• A close relative developed coronary heart disease or had a heart attack at a relatively young age

In these circumstances, do not assume that the result is simply caused by your diet.

People with familial hypercholesterolemia may require medical treatment in addition to healthy lifestyle habits, so appropriate diagnosis and medical management are important.

What Should You Look at in a Health Check? Common Tests Related to Cardiovascular Health

Atherosclerosis cannot always be identified from how you feel or how healthy you look.

Routine health checks and, when appropriate, additional medical tests can therefore provide useful information about cardiovascular risk and vascular health.

Blood Tests

A standard lipid profile may include:

• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Other results, including blood glucose, HbA1c and kidney function, may also provide important information when cardiovascular risk is being assessed.

Rather than interpreting one laboratory result in isolation, healthcare professionals may consider the results together with medical history, other test results and lifestyle factors.

Blood Pressure Measurement

High blood pressure is an important cardiovascular risk factor.

Blood pressure can vary according to factors such as physical activity, stress, sleep and the conditions under which it is measured.

For this reason, home blood pressure measurements may sometimes be used alongside measurements taken in a medical setting.

Carotid Ultrasound

A carotid ultrasound uses sound waves to examine the carotid arteries in the neck.

It can provide information about the arterial wall and may identify atherosclerotic plaque or narrowing of the artery.

It is not a routine screening test required for everyone, but it may be performed when a healthcare professional considers it appropriate.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

The ankle-brachial index compares blood pressure measured at the ankle with blood pressure measured in the arm.

It can be used to help assess blood flow in the arteries of the legs and may be performed when peripheral artery disease is suspected.

Do Not Interpret a Health Check Only as “Normal” or “Abnormal”

It is natural to focus on results that fall outside a laboratory reference range.

However, the meaning of a particular LDL cholesterol result can differ depending on the person's overall health and cardiovascular risk.

For example, someone who already has coronary artery disease may have different treatment goals from someone who has never experienced cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking and other risk factors can also influence clinical assessment.

A health check is not simply an opportunity to worry about numbers. It is an opportunity to identify changes that may otherwise go unnoticed and decide whether further action is appropriate.

If Your Health Check Identifies a Problem, Do Not Ignore It

Dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose can persist without obvious symptoms.

If your health check recommends a repeat test, further examination or medical consultation, feeling well is not a reason to disregard that advice.

Identifying a change early may provide an opportunity to review your diet and lifestyle and, when necessary, receive appropriate medical assessment and treatment.

Next, we will look at practical everyday habits for cardiovascular health, including diet, different types of dietary fat, fish and omega-3 fatty acids, physical activity and smoking cessation.

Lifestyle Habits to Consider for Vascular Health

If a health check shows elevated LDL cholesterol, triglycerides or blood pressure, you may immediately wonder, “What should I eat to bring my numbers down?”

However, cardiovascular and vascular health cannot be determined by any single food.

It is more useful to consider your overall lifestyle, including diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake and weight management.

If you are already receiving treatment for dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes or another medical condition, do not make changes to your treatment based on lifestyle information alone. Continue to follow the advice of your healthcare professional.

Diet and Dyslipidemia | Think About the Type of Fat and Your Overall Diet

When cholesterol or triglycerides are a concern, it can be tempting to think that eating as little fat as possible is the best approach.

However, dietary fat is an essential nutrient. It provides energy and is also involved in many important functions in the body.

Rather than avoiding all fat, it is helpful to consider the types of fat you eat, the amount you consume and the balance of your diet as a whole.

Consider How Much Saturated Fat You Eat

One type of dietary fat worth understanding is saturated fat.

Saturated fat is found in relatively high amounts in foods such as fatty cuts of meat, butter, lard and cream.

A diet high in saturated fat can influence LDL cholesterol levels.

This does not mean that you need to completely eliminate meat or dairy products.

Instead, you might consider habits such as:

• Not relying too heavily on fatty cuts of meat
• Including fish and soy foods as well as meat
• Considering how frequently meals contain large amounts of butter or cream
• Being aware of fats contained in baked goods, confectionery and processed foods

Small adjustments to your overall eating pattern can be more practical than simply labelling individual foods as “good” or “bad.”

Include Foods Containing Unsaturated Fats

Fish, plant oils, nuts and seeds contain different types of unsaturated fatty acids.

If your diet is particularly high in foods rich in saturated fat, one approach is to replace some of those foods with options that provide unsaturated fats, while maintaining an appropriate overall energy intake.

Plant oils, nuts and seeds are nutritious foods, but they also provide energy.

Therefore, the fact that a food contains unsaturated fat does not mean that unlimited amounts are needed.

Enjoy Fish as Part of a Varied Diet

Fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon contain the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Fish can also provide protein and a range of other nutrients, making it a useful part of a varied diet.

Rather than focusing only on EPA and DHA, consider enjoying different protein sources such as fish, lean meat, eggs, legumes and soy foods as part of your regular meals.

Eating oily fish does not mean that atherosclerosis will be treated or that cardiovascular disease can be prevented by fish alone.

Fish is best considered as one of many foods that can contribute to a varied and balanced eating pattern.

Get Dietary Fibre from a Variety of Foods

Dietary fibre is found in vegetables, fruit, legumes, mushrooms, seaweed and whole grains.

Although vegetables are often the first foods that come to mind when we think about fibre, foods such as beans, barley and oats can also contribute to daily fibre intake.

Plant foods also provide a variety of vitamins, minerals and other naturally occurring compounds.

Instead of looking for one particular food that will “lower cholesterol,” aim to include a variety of plant-based foods across your meals.

Make Soy Foods One of Your Protein Options

Foods such as tofu, natto and unsweetened soy milk can provide plant-based protein.

If meat is your main protein source at most meals, including fish or soy foods from time to time can add variety to your diet.

There is no need to consume unusually large amounts of any particular soy food.

Meat, fish, eggs, legumes and soy foods can all be enjoyed in different combinations as part of a varied diet.

Enjoy Different Types and Colours of Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables provide dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and a variety of other naturally occurring nutrients.

Choosing seasonal produce and including different colours and varieties can make everyday meals more enjoyable as well as more varied.

Rather than searching for a list of the “best foods for your arteries,” focus on building an eating pattern that includes a wide range of foods and that you can comfortably maintain.

If Triglycerides Are High, Do Not Look Only at Dietary Fat

Because triglycerides are a type of fat, it is easy to assume that eating fatty foods is the only dietary factor that matters.

However, triglyceride levels can also be associated with overall energy intake, alcohol consumption, foods and drinks high in sugars, body weight and physical activity.

If your triglycerides are elevated, it can therefore be useful to look at your overall eating and drinking habits rather than focusing on dietary fat alone.

Sugary Drinks, Sweets and Desserts

If sugar-sweetened drinks, confectionery or desserts are consumed frequently, they can contribute significant amounts of sugars and energy to the diet.

This does not mean that every sweet food needs to be completely avoided.

However, if you routinely drink sweetened beverages whenever you are thirsty or eat sweets out of habit every day, reviewing the amount and frequency can be a practical place to start.

Be Mindful of Alcohol Intake

If you drink alcohol, it is worth considering both how much and how often you drink.

Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to elevated triglyceride levels and other health concerns.

Alcohol can also be accompanied by extra snacks or larger meals, increasing total energy intake without being particularly noticeable.

Rather than increasing alcohol consumption because a particular type of alcoholic drink has been described as “healthy,” it is better to keep the overall amount in mind.

If Blood Pressure Is a Concern, Pay Attention to Sodium

Cholesterol is not the only factor to consider when thinking about vascular health. Blood pressure is also important.

A high-sodium diet can contribute to high blood pressure.

It is easy to think only about the salt or soy sauce added at the table, but sodium is also found in many processed foods, pickled foods, soups, sauces, ready-made meals and noodle broths.

Simple approaches can include:

• Tasting food before adding soy sauce, salt or other salty condiments
• Using herbs, spices, vinegar, citrus and flavourful stocks to add variety
• Leaving some of the broth when eating noodle dishes
• Checking nutrition information on packaged and processed foods

There is no need to make every meal dramatically less salty overnight.

Gradually adjusting flavours can make lower-sodium eating habits easier to maintain.

Physical Activity Is Also Part of Cardiovascular Health

When people think about cholesterol and cardiovascular health, diet often receives most of the attention.

However, regular physical activity is another important part of a healthy lifestyle.

If you are not currently active, you do not need to begin with intense exercise.

Instead, look for realistic opportunities to move more during your everyday routine.

For example:

• Go for regular walks
• Walk short distances instead of driving when practical
• Use the stairs
• Break up long periods of sitting by standing and moving around
• Include manageable strength exercises where appropriate

The goal does not need to be an intense programme that lasts only a week or two.

Finding activities that suit your fitness level, health and daily routine makes it easier to stay active over the long term.

If you have heart disease or another medical condition, experience chest pain or significant shortness of breath during activity, or have been given specific medical advice about exercise, speak with a healthcare professional before substantially increasing your activity level.

Body Weight Does Not Have to Be Your Only Measure of Progress

If excess body weight or visceral fat occurs alongside other cardiovascular risk factors, weight management may form part of an overall health plan.

However, the number on the scale does not need to be the only measure of progress.

Walking more often, spending less time sitting, improving the variety of your meals and stopping smoking are all meaningful lifestyle changes even when body weight does not change quickly.

If You Smoke, Quitting Is an Important Step

Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

For this reason, stopping smoking is an important consideration when looking after cardiovascular health.

Even if you have smoked for many years, it is not useful to assume that it is “too late” to quit.

If quitting on your own is difficult, professional smoking cessation support may be available through healthcare services.

Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke is also important.

What About Terms Such as “Blood-Thinning Foods” or “Clean Blood”?

Health and food information sometimes uses simplified expressions such as “thin the blood,” “clean the blood” or “improve circulation.”

However, these expressions should not be treated as medical diagnoses or as accurate ways to determine whether someone has dyslipidemia or atherosclerosis.

The health of your arteries cannot be assessed simply by imagining the blood as being “thick,” “thin,” “clean” or “dirty.”

Likewise, it is not appropriate to assume that eating or drinking a particular food will “clean the arteries,” remove an arterial blockage or treat atherosclerosis.

When considering cardiovascular health, it is more useful to look at factors such as:

• LDL and HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose
• Smoking
• Body weight and waist circumference
• Physical activity
• Medical history and family history

Rather than relying on catchy health phrases, use objective information from health checks and appropriate medical assessments to better understand your cardiovascular health.

Next, we will look at how dietary supplements can fit into a healthy lifestyle, everyday hydration and tea choices, followed by frequently asked questions and a summary of the key points.

How Should Dietary Supplements Fit into a Healthy Lifestyle?

When researching cholesterol and cardiovascular health, you may come across dietary supplements and health products containing ingredients such as EPA, DHA and dietary fibre.

Looking at your everyday diet and considering whether there are nutrients or food components you may not be getting regularly can be a useful opportunity to become more aware of your overall eating habits.

However, dietary supplements and health foods are not medicines and should not be regarded as products for diagnosing or treating atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia or other medical conditions.

The foundations of a healthy lifestyle remain a varied and balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate rest, avoiding smoking and other appropriate lifestyle habits.

Within that broader approach, dietary supplements may be used to complement the diet when certain nutrients are difficult to obtain consistently from food alone.

Look Beyond the Ingredient Name and Check the Label

When choosing a dietary supplement, avoid making a decision based only on impressions such as “this sounds good for cholesterol” or “this must be good for my arteries.”

Instead, check the information provided on the product label, including:

• The ingredients it contains
• The recommended daily intake or serving
• The amount of each relevant ingredient
• Directions and precautions for use
• Whether you are taking the same ingredient from several different supplements

More is not necessarily better simply because an ingredient is associated with health.

Checking the product information and considering how a supplement fits into your own diet and circumstances is a sensible way to incorporate supplements into everyday life.

Do Not Replace Medical Treatment with Supplements

If you are taking medication for dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes or another medical condition, do not stop prescribed treatment or replace it with dietary supplements on your own.

Some supplement ingredients can also interact with medicines or may not be appropriate for everyone.

If you take medication, are receiving medical treatment or have an existing health condition, speak with your doctor, pharmacist or another appropriate healthcare professional when necessary before introducing a new supplement.

Everyday Hydration | Enjoy Water and Unsweetened Tea

When improving your everyday diet, it can also be useful to think about what you normally drink.

Water is a simple choice for hydration, while unsweetened teas can provide additional variety throughout the day.

Depending on your preferences and the occasion, options may include green tea, barley tea, roasted green tea, herbal infusions and rooibos tea.

Rooibos Tea Is Another Caffeine-Free Option

Rooibos tea is made from Aspalathus linearis, a plant native to South Africa.

It can be enjoyed as an everyday tea and is naturally caffeine-free, making it an option for people who wish to limit their caffeine intake.

It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and when served without added sugar it provides a simple alternative to sweetened drinks.

This does not mean that drinking rooibos tea prevents atherosclerosis or lowers cholesterol.

Rather than relying on one particular tea for a specific health effect, think of rooibos as one of the many enjoyable beverage choices that can fit into your everyday routine.

If sweetened drinks are a regular part of your day, choosing water or unsweetened tea more often can also be a practical way to reconsider your everyday beverage habits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Atherosclerosis and Dyslipidemia

If My LDL Cholesterol Is High, Will I Definitely Develop Atherosclerosis?

High LDL cholesterol is an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

However, a single elevated LDL cholesterol result cannot tell you exactly how much atherosclerosis is present or determine your future cardiovascular risk on its own.

Age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, kidney function, family history and previous cardiovascular disease are among the other factors that may be considered when assessing risk.

If a health check identifies high LDL cholesterol, do not simply ignore the result. Follow any recommendations you receive regarding repeat testing or medical assessment.

Should I See a Doctor About Dyslipidemia Even If I Have No Symptoms?

Dyslipidemia often causes no obvious symptoms.

This means that you cannot reliably judge your LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels simply by how well you feel.

Blood tests and routine health checks are therefore important ways of identifying lipid abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

If your health check recommends medical consultation, further testing or a repeat test, follow that advice even if you currently feel well.

If I Am Concerned About Cholesterol, Should I Eat as Little Fat as Possible?

No. Dietary fat is an essential nutrient and does not need to be eliminated from the diet.

When considering dyslipidemia and cardiovascular health, it is more useful to look at both the amount and type of fat you eat.

If your diet contains large amounts of saturated fat, for example, you may consider how some of those foods could be replaced with foods containing unsaturated fats, while also maintaining an appropriate overall energy intake.

The overall balance of your diet matters more than simply trying to remove all dietary fat.

Should I Eat Foods That Are Said to “Thin the Blood” or “Clean the Arteries”?

Expressions such as “thin the blood,” “clean the blood” or “clean the arteries” are often used in general health information, but they are not appropriate ways to diagnose atherosclerosis or dyslipidemia.

No single food should be expected to remove arterial plaque, clear a blocked artery or treat atherosclerosis.

When considering cardiovascular health, look at the broader picture, including LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, blood glucose, smoking and physical activity.

What Should I Do First If My Health Check Shows an Abnormal Result?

Start by reviewing the recommendations provided with your health check results.

If you have been advised to arrange a medical consultation, further examination or repeat testing, follow those instructions.

You can also use the opportunity to review everyday factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake and body weight.

However, do not postpone recommended medical assessment simply because you plan to improve your lifestyle first.

Medical evaluation is particularly important when LDL cholesterol is very high, familial hypercholesterolemia is suspected, or other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure are present.

Summary | Think About Vascular Health as a Whole, Not Just One Number

Arteriosclerosis is a broad term describing structural and functional changes in the arteries, including thickening and stiffening of the arterial walls.

Although it is sometimes described as “ageing of the arteries,” age is not the only factor involved.

LDL cholesterol plays an important role in atherosclerosis, but cardiovascular risk is also influenced by factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, age and genetic predisposition.

Start by Knowing Your Numbers

Dyslipidemia and high blood pressure can be present without noticeable symptoms.

Routine health checks provide an opportunity to look at results such as:

• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose and HbA1c

Rather than worrying about a single result in isolation, consider how your results change over time and how they fit with your overall health and lifestyle.

Focus on Building a Better Diet, Not Simply Eating Less

An eating pattern that supports cardiovascular health does not require you to eliminate all fat or rely heavily on one supposedly “healthy” food.

Enjoy fish and soy foods as well as meat.

Include a variety of vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, mushrooms and seaweed where they suit your diet.

Consider the amount and frequency of salty foods, sweetened drinks and alcohol in the context of your overall lifestyle.

Small choices made consistently can help create an eating pattern that is realistic, varied and sustainable.

Walk, Move and Avoid Smoking

Physical activity and smoking habits are also important when considering cardiovascular health.

You do not need to begin with intense exercise.

Walking more often, breaking up long periods of sitting and adding manageable strength exercises can all help you build a more active routine.

If you smoke, quitting is another important step to consider.

Think of a Health Check as an Opportunity, Not Something to Fear

Receiving an unexpected result from a health check can be worrying.

However, identifying a change before you notice symptoms can also provide an opportunity to review your lifestyle or receive appropriate medical care when needed.

There is no need to assume that an elevated cholesterol result means “it is already too late,” nor should you ignore the result simply because you feel well.

Know your current health status and start with the areas that are appropriate for you.

Enjoy a varied diet, keep your body moving and use regular health checks to stay informed about your health.

These everyday habits can help you take a thoughtful, long-term approach to cardiovascular and overall health.