{
  "id": 9877103,
  "title": "Think you’re heart-healthy? Your cholesterol may tell another story",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/think-youre-heart-healthy-your-cholesterol-may-tell-another-story-9877103",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-26T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/26/think-you-re-heart-healthy-your-cholesterol-may-tell-another-story"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Many health checks can uncover hidden cardiovascular risks, including high cholesterol, even in people who appear healthy. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are essential for heart health, but they may not always be enough to bring low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels down to safe levels in everyone. LDL-C, often called \"bad cholesterol,\" can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke over time. Most cholesterol in the body is produced internally by the liver, not just from dietary intake. Factors like genetics and biology can keep LDL-C levels high, even in those who eat well and exercise. About 7.6 million Malaysian adults have high cholesterol, while around 40% have elevated LDL-C levels, and many may not know they have it since high cholesterol shows no obvious symptoms. Higher-risk individuals, such as those with a history of heart attack or stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, very high LDL-C, or multiple risk factors, may require more structured cholesterol management. This includes medication alongside lifestyle changes, as lifestyle measures alone may not be sufficient to reach recommended LDL-C targets. Targets for LDL-C vary depending on overall cardiovascular risk, with higher-risk individuals often advised to keep levels below 1.8 mmol/L. Consistent, long-term management involving diet, exercise, and medical treatment when necessary is crucial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular risk.",
  "summary": "High LDL can remain hidden even in people who exercise and eat well, making screening especially important.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Think you’re heart-healthy? Your cholesterol may tell another story",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/think-youre-heart-healthy-your-cholesterol-may-tell-another-story",
        "published": "2026-09-26T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}