High cholesterol poses significant risks for heart attack and stroke

Health experts are warning about the dangers of high cholesterol, often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it can damage blood vessels without obvious symptoms. Excess low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or ‘bad’ cholesterol, can accumulate in artery walls to form fatty deposits. These deposits narrow the vessels and restrict blood flow, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which may manifest as symptoms in the legs.

In Nigeria, the impact of the condition is significant. A 2020 systematic review published in the journal Public Health estimated a crude prevalence of high cholesterol at 38 percent across various studies. Data indicates that the number of Nigerians aged 20 and above affected by the condition rose from 8.2 million in 1995 to 21.9 million in 2015. Medical professionals, including Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, emphasize that high cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary and ischaemic heart disease.