Slim Body No Guarantee of Low Cholesterol, Cardiologist Warns

The Indonesian Association of Cardiovascular Specialists (PERKI) has reminded the public that a slim body is no guarantee of being free from high cholesterol or the risk of heart and vascular disease. “A normal body weight does not mean cardiovascular risk factors are normal. There are people who look slim, but when examined, their LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol levels are actually high,” said Susetyo during a discussion session in Jakarta on Thursday. The perception that heart disease only affects overweight people needs to be corrected, as this condition does not always reflect a person’s health risk. According to him, population studies show that nearly one in four slim individuals actually possesses a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Susetyo explained that slim people with high LDL cholesterol levels have a two to three times greater risk of developing heart and vascular disease compared to slim people with normal LDL levels. He noted that this condition can be influenced by various factors, ranging from genetic abnormalities or familial hypercholesterolemia, a diet high in fried foods, lack of physical activity, to the accumulation of visceral fat or central obesity. “So it is not just the number on the scale that determines the risk of heart disease. Waist circumference, LDL cholesterol levels, and other risk factors must also be considered,” Susetyo cautioned. Central obesity can be found in people with a normal body mass index. This condition is indicated by a waist circumference exceeding 90 centimetres in Asian men and more than 80 centimetres in Asian women. He also reminded that high cholesterol generally causes no symptoms, leaving many people unaware they are at risk of heart disease. “The majority of people with high cholesterol levels have no complaints. The only way to find out is by having regular cholesterol checks,” he said. Cholesterol testing, particularly LDL levels, is important to carry out early so that the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation, which can trigger heart attacks or strokes, can be prevented.