Initially attributing his symptoms to late nights at work and lack of sleep, Manh, a bank employee, wasn't overly concerned. However, during a health check-up at Hanoi Medical University Hospital in early July, he was shocked to discover his cholesterol level was 10.2 mmol/l, almost double the normal level (

When questioned about his diet and lifestyle, Manh admitted to regularly consuming low-sugar milk tea for energy, eating instant noodles and boxed lunches, and sleeping after 2 a.m. almost every night.

Doctors identified this unhealthy lifestyle as the cause of Manh's high cholesterol. He was advised to adopt a healthy diet and increase physical activity to lower his cholesterol levels and avoid dangerous cardiovascular complications.

Manh's case is not uncommon. In mid-July, Medlatec General Hospital also treated a 22-year-old man who sought medical attention for pain and swelling in his left ankle. Test results revealed he had multiple metabolic disorders, including obesity, gout, lipid metabolism disorder, and stage 2 fatty liver disease.

The young man was also surprised by the diagnosis, as he rarely ate carbohydrates and exercised regularly, including running and going to the gym. However, he regularly consumed red meat (beef, buffalo), organ meats, seafood, and alcohol, believing that his workouts would "burn off all the calories."

Doctors explained that these habits were the root cause of his cholesterol and obesity issues. He was subsequently advised to drink plenty of water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and engage in regular, moderate exercise.

According to a recent National Survey on Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases, the percentage of Vietnamese adults (aged 18 to 69) with high cholesterol (total cholesterol of 5.0 mmol/L or higher, or currently taking medication for it) has increased from 30.2% to 44.1%. Statistics from the Vietnam Medical Association also indicate that nearly 50% of adults living in urban areas have high cholesterol. The primary causes are poor diet and lack of exercise.

While there are no official statistics on the number of people aged 18-30 in Vietnam with high cholesterol, hospital records show an increase in recent years. A 2021 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 26.3 million young Americans (aged 18 to 39), representing 27% of that age group, had high LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Cholesterol, a vital component of blood lipids, plays an essential role in nerve cell function and hormone production, contributing to overall health. There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol or triglycerides directly contribute to high cholesterol.

Experts are increasingly concerned about the growing prevalence of high cholesterol among young adults, particularly those in their 20s and 30s. Many young people are often skeptical of their diagnosis, believing that they are "too young and healthy to have an older person's disease." The fact that many young people don't undergo regular health check-ups and only discover their condition by chance adds to their anxiety and confusion.

Doctor Lam Vinh Nien, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, confirms that high cholesterol affects people of all weights and ages. However, young people who are overweight or obese have a significantly higher risk of lipid disorders. He explains that the main causes are unhealthy lifestyles, excess weight, and lack of exercise, preventing the body from effectively eliminating excess fat.

A doctor takes a blood sample from a patient. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

For example, a diet high in fatty, fried, and processed foods leads to the accumulation of excess fat, which can gradually develop into a medical condition. Many people confuse high cholesterol with obesity, mistakenly believing that being thin protects them from high cholesterol, leading to complacency and unhealthy eating habits. The widespread availability and easy access to sugary drinks and foods also contribute to increased triglyceride levels and decreased HDL (good) cholesterol.

Sharing this view, Doctor Doan Du Manh from the Vietnam Vascular Society, states that high cholesterol is closely linked to daily diet and lifestyle. High cholesterol can stem from young people's consumption of fatty, fried, and fast foods. Work stress, alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle among young adults can also lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the body, eventually developing into a medical condition.

One of the most concerning aspects of high cholesterol in young people is its often asymptomatic nature, creating a false sense of security. This allows the condition to progress unchecked until serious complications arise. High cholesterol can lead to fatty liver disease, pancreatitis, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, angina, and heart attacks. In many cases, undetected high cholesterol has led to hypertension and stroke, causing disability or even death.

To protect their health, doctors recommend that people aged 20 and older should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years, even if they feel perfectly healthy. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are also crucial for managing cholesterol levels. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can significantly improve cardiovascular health, helping to avoid the potential risks associated with high cholesterol.

Thuy Quynh