High blood cholesterol is an important risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. However, half of the Belgians concerned do not adapt their way of life. This is what emerges from an online survey by iVox, commissioned by the pharmaceutical company Novartis, conducted among 1,000 Belgians.
The most common cause of death in our country
Cardiovascular disease is, along with cancer, the most common cause of death in our country. However, half of Belgians underestimate the risks and therefore do not always take the necessary measures to reduce them. Among the risk factors for cardiovascular disease is high cholesterol. However, when asked regarding all risk factors for cardiovascular disease, only 35% of respondents placed hypercholesterolemia among the top three, while overweight, smoking and high blood pressure are recognized by respondents as risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease.
Everyone should have their cholesterol tested
Professor Mathias Vrolix, cardiologist at the Oost-Limburg hospital in Genk, is not surprised by the figures. “That’s what we see every day in our practice. Many people don’t know their cholesterol levels, even though they know if they have high or low blood pressure. In fact, everyone should do test your cholesterol at least once in your life.”
A sugar tax?
Another lesson: when Belgians are aware of their high cholesterol levels, only half change their lifestyle to lower the level. Forty-six percent say they are not very concerned regarding their high cholesterol. “Belgians like to indulge themselves, it is difficult to live more frugally. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid the ‘bad cholesterol’, LDL cholesterol. Health care providers might also guide their patients more towards a life with less cholesterol, said Professor Vrolix.
A sugar tax might help, according to the cardiologist. “We see that the number of smokers has decreased over the years, partly due to social pressure and higher cost. A tax on sugar would also be a step in the right direction”, he concluded.
