Heart concern for the young

（2024年9月13日 The Standard 英文虎報）

Marcus Lum

Over half of Hongkongers with previously diagnosed elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are unaware of their current level and do not monitor it, a survey conducted by a heart disease patient advocacy group found.

The Care For Your Heart survey, which interviewed over 1,300 residents aged 18 and above who had been diagnosed with elevated LDL-C, said there is a widespread misconception about LDL-C diagnosis and control.

It also said there is low patient engagement when it comes to decisions on treatment options, which impacts management and elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The group said LDL-C is a type of cholesterol that can lead to hyperlipidemia and even plaque build-up in the arteries.

If patients do not monitor hyperlipidemia regularly, it can easily delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

A 70-year-old patient, Lee, said he was diagnosed with coronary heart disease after a CT scan in January.

Lee said he ignored his bad cholesterol levels before his diagnosis and was in disbelief when he found out how bad it was.

“When the doctor told me about the result, I was shocked as it happened all of a sudden. I thought I had a fit body since I regularly exercise,” Lee said.

He also said he believed there should be symptoms of coronary heart disease, yet he only felt ill shortly before the diagnosis.

Cardiology specialist Wong Kwok-yiu said that more than half of the patients mistakenly believe that high LDL-C typically presents obvious symptoms.

He said high levels of LDL-C do not present any symptoms and can only be diagnosed through a blood test.

Wong also added that around 40 percent of patients incorrectly think that only those aged 50 or above are exposed to the danger.

“People, especially the younger generation, should not underestimate cardiovascular risks just because they are ‘young or at a healthy weight,'” he said.

“Anyone of any weight, height, body type or age has a chance of having elevated cholesterol levels, and especially those with a family history of cardiovascular disease should pay extra attention,” he added.

Wong suggested that people undergo regular check-ups, including blood tests, to monitor changes in their cholesterol levels.

The chair of Care For Your Heart, Mui Cheuk-nang, said there is a need to enhance public education: “This can help patients be more proactively involved in the treatment process to choose the most suitable treatment plan.”

She also said the group is planning to hold talks at schools next year to educate the younger generation on cholesterol management.