High cholesterol (dyslipidemia) is a condition characterized by elevated levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, or both in the blood. Cholesterol is present throughout the body and contributes to normal growth and function. However, an imbalance in cholesterol levels can cause various health problems, especially cardiovascular disease.

Doctor Tran Quoc Viet, from the cardiology department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, explains that during periods of stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol. This hormone helps the body cope with stress in the short term, but prolonged stress can stimulate the liver to increase cholesterol production, particularly LDL.

Not only stress, but frequent sleep deprivation also negatively impacts lipid metabolism. Lack of sleep increases cortisol production and decreases insulin sensitivity, making it difficult to control blood lipids. Dr. Viet noted that people who sleep less than 5 hours per night have significantly higher LDL levels compared to those who sleep 7-8 hours.

When stressed and sleep-deprived, many people tend to consume more sweets, fried foods, or alcohol to cope. These habits further increase blood cholesterol levels, creating a difficult-to-control vicious cycle.

Prolonged stress and sleep deprivation can cause dyslipidemia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Photo: Dung Nguyen

Prolonged stress and sleep deprivation can cause dyslipidemia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Photo: Dung Nguyen

Dyslipidemia often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Excessively high blood cholesterol, especially LDL, can lead to plaque buildup inside blood vessels, narrowing or blocking arteries. Symptoms typically appear only when complications arise, including chest pain, numbness in the extremities, dizziness, lightheadedness, or high blood pressure. If not managed promptly, dyslipidemia can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and other dangerous cardiovascular conditions.

In Vietnam, according to the Vietnam Medical Association, nearly 50% of adults in urban areas have high cholesterol. Dr. Viet stated that the rate of cardiovascular disease among young people is increasing, with some patients experiencing myocardial infarction in their early 20s. "In addition to an unhealthy lifestyle, prolonged stress is a significant risk factor contributing to cardiovascular disease in young people," Dr. Viet said, adding that controlling blood lipid levels and keeping bad cholesterol within a safe range helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Regular health checkups are recommended, especially for those with high-risk factors such as prolonged stress, sleep deprivation, smoking, abdominal obesity, or a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Dyslipidemia can be managed by adopting healthy lifestyle changes, improving sleep patterns, and reducing stress. Individuals should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night, avoid staying up late, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Light exercise, yoga, meditation, walking, or listening to relaxing music can help reduce stress. Limiting fried foods, red meat, processed foods, and increasing intake of green vegetables, fatty fish, and omega-3-rich nuts is also beneficial. Avoiding excessive alcohol, coffee, and tobacco—substances that exacerbate stress—is also crucial. Medication to lower cholesterol is typically prescribed only when blood lipid levels are significantly elevated or if there is concomitant cardiovascular disease.

Ly Nguyen