A surprising number of people in the UK are giving more attention to their cars than to their own health, even though heart disease is the biggest threat to life in the country. New research revealed that for many, booking a car in for its mandatory annual check-up (the MOT) is a routine priority. Yet, when it comes to vital check-ups for their own health, like a simple cholesterol test, a lot of people fall short. This is particularly worrying because heart disease remains the single leading cause of death in the UK. The research suggests that we take the warning lights on a car dashboard more seriously than the potential warning signs—or the need for preventative checks—in our own bodies, putting comfort and convenience ahead of potentially life-saving health screenings. Ignoring Warning Health Signs The survey, commissioned by supplement brand Healthspan showed a startling gap between how Britons treat their vehicles and their health. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of people aged 35 to 54 faithfully book their cars in for an annual MOT (a yearly safety and emissions check).However, fewer than half of the same group have had their cholesterol checked in the last five years.Overall, almost half of the 2,000 people surveyed admitted they have never had their cholesterol checked at all.Experts pointed out that people wouldn't ignore a flashing warning light on their car's dashboard, yet they often ignore the warning signs from their own bodies. He stressed that midlife is the most important time for checks on blood pressure and cholesterol, even for those who feel perfectly fine. What Health Concerns Matter More To People? The survey revealed that people's worries often focus more on appearance and immediate concerns than on serious health risks like heart disease. Women's top worries included wrinkles and weight gain around the middle, ranking higher than heart health.Men's primary concerns were erectile dysfunction and having a "beer belly," which they worried about more than heart disease.Surprisingly, one in five Britons admitted that loneliness worried them more than being ill.Why Does Cholesterol Matter? Cholesterol is often called the "silent killer." While it's necessary for things like hormones and cell membranes, too much of the "bad" LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries. This dangerous build-up significantly increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The shocking truth is that you can be slim, active, and appear healthy, but still have high cholesterol. A nutritionist involved with the study was diagnosed with high cholesterol this year despite being fit and health-conscious. One cannot assume they’re fine just because they look healthy. Knowing your numbers matters. So, what is the solution for it? Managing cholesterol isn't just about cutting things out of your diet; it's about adding things in. Foods like oats, beans, nuts, olive oil, and plant sterols can actively help lower your cholesterol levels. What Test Do You Need To Know Cholesterol Numbers? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a cholesterol test, also called a screening, is a very simple blood test that checks the different types of fat, or lipids, in your blood. It gives your doctor a complete picture of your heart health risk. LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol Too much LDL can cause a sticky substance called plaque to build up inside your arteries, making them narrow. This buildup greatly increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. HDL ("Good") Cholesterol HDL actually helps your body get rid of the bad cholesterol. Having higher levels of HDL is protective and helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Triglycerides This is a type of fat your body uses for energy. High levels of triglycerides, especially when combined with low "good" HDL or high "bad" LDL, can also increase your risk for a heart attack and stroke. Total Cholesterol This is simply the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. This number is a summary of all the fats in your blood, calculated from your HDL, LDL, and triglyceride results.
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