We only get one life, yet many of us spend more time tracking the numbers that shape our daily lives than we do understanding the ones that could shape our long-term health.
This is particularly concerning given that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for an estimated 32% of all deaths globally, yet millions of people remain unaware of one of the most important indicators of heart health: their LDL cholesterol number.
Encouraging South Africans
As World Heart Month steadily approaches, healthcare professionals are encouraging South Africans to take a more proactive approach to their heart health by understanding the risks that may not always be visible.
According to Dr Renata Maharaj, Head of Medical Affairs at Novartis South Africa, knowing your LDL cholesterol number is an important first step towards understanding your overall cardiovascular risk and taking action before symptoms appear.
“Many people assume that if they feel healthy, they are healthy. However, risk factors such as high LDL cholesterol can develop silently over time without obvious symptoms, making it easy to underestimate your cardiovascular risk until a serious health event
occurs,” she explains.
Invisible Signs
The challenge with high LDL cholesterol is that it often goes unnoticed. Unlike many health conditions that present noticeable symptoms, high LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries over time without any obvious warning signs.
In many cases, people only discover they have elevated cholesterol levels during routine health screenings or after experiencing a serious cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke.
Knowing Your Number Matters
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally.
However, many cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, raised blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Understanding Your Overall Cardiovascular Risk
For most South Africans, heart health is often only considered after a diagnosis or health scare. However, understanding cardiovascular risk before symptoms appear can play an important role in protecting long-term health.
While LDL cholesterol is one indicator of heart health, it is important to consider the broader factors that may influence cardiovascular risk and how they interact over time.
One life, One Opportunity to Act
Much like in a game, a single decision can influence what happens next. The same is true when it comes to cardiovascular health, where everyday choices and understanding your risk factors can have a significant impact on long-term health outcomes.
To help more South Africans take charge of their heart health, Novartis South Africa has launched the Liberate Hearts Game, an interactive experience that encourages conversations about cardiovascular risk and the importance of knowing your LDL cholesterol number.
The campaign aims to encourage people to think differently about their heart health and the choices they make every day by drawing attention to the importance of prevention and early action.
