Health experts have warned Nigerians against ignoring high cholesterol, explaining that the condition can silently damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
The specialists stressed that many people living with elevated cholesterol levels may feel completely healthy because the condition often develops without obvious symptoms. They therefore encouraged Nigerians to take cholesterol screening seriously, particularly those with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance naturally produced by the body and obtained through certain foods. It plays important roles in producing hormones, building cell membranes and supporting other essential bodily functions. However, excessive levels of certain types of cholesterol can contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits inside blood vessels.
According to health experts, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as LDL or bad cholesterol, is particularly concerning when present at elevated levels. Over time, LDL can accumulate in artery walls, contributing to a condition known as atherosclerosis, which causes arteries to narrow and become less flexible.
When these deposits restrict blood flow to the heart, the risk of coronary heart disease increases. If a fatty deposit ruptures and a blood clot forms, the clot can partially or completely block blood flow to the heart, potentially resulting in a heart attack.
A similar blockage affecting blood vessels supplying the brain can cause an ischaemic stroke.
Speaking to Media Healthwise, public health physician and Director of Medical Services at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, Dr Rotimi Adesanya, explained that high cholesterol could contribute to several cardiovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease.
Adesanya noted that cholesterol-related deposits could affect blood vessels supplying different organs, with potentially serious consequences when the normal flow of blood becomes restricted.
He also highlighted the difficulty of identifying high cholesterol through physical symptoms alone, explaining that laboratory investigations are necessary to establish whether a person’s cholesterol levels are elevated.
A lipid profile blood test measures different types of cholesterol and other blood fats, helping healthcare professionals assess a patient’s cardiovascular risk and determine whether further intervention is necessary.
The absence of symptoms is one reason the condition can remain undetected for years. People may continue with their normal activities without realising that cholesterol deposits are gradually accumulating in their arteries.
The scale of the problem in Nigeria was highlighted in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Public Health in 2020. The researchers examined findings from 13 studies involving 16,981 participants and estimated that the pooled prevalence of high cholesterol in Nigeria was 38 per cent.
The study also estimated that the number of Nigerians aged 20 and above living with high cholesterol increased from approximately 8.2 million in 1995 to 21.9 million in 2015.
These figures are estimates based on studies conducted during the period examined and should not be interpreted as current prevalence figures for 2026. Nevertheless, the findings underline the importance of continued attention to cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.
Assistant Director of Dietetics at the Lagos State Health Service Commission, General Hospital, Badagry, Olusola Malomo, also explained how cholesterol deposits develop gradually inside artery walls.
According to Malomo, LDL cholesterol can become trapped in the walls of arteries, triggering an inflammatory response that contributes to the formation of fatty plaques over time.
As these plaques develop, they can narrow blood vessels and restrict circulation. A rupture can also trigger blood clot formation, potentially obstructing blood flow to vital organs.
Malomo warned that the consequences extend beyond heart attacks and strokes. When arteries supplying the legs become narrowed, a person may develop peripheral arterial disease, which can cause leg pain during walking, slow wound healing and, in severe cases, tissue damage.
The experts encouraged Nigerians to pay attention to factors that can increase cardiovascular risk, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity and a family history of cardiovascular disease.
They also recommended healthier eating habits, including reducing the consumption of foods high in unhealthy fats and increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and fish.
Regular physical activity and avoiding prolonged sedentary behaviour can also support cardiovascular health. However, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient for everyone, particularly people with substantially elevated cholesterol levels or other significant risk factors.
Doctors may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medicines, including statins, depending on a patient’s cholesterol results, medical history and overall cardiovascular risk. People receiving treatment should follow their healthcare professionals’ instructions and attend recommended follow-up appointments rather than stopping medication simply because they feel well.
The specialists’ warning highlights the importance of preventive healthcare, particularly because high cholesterol can remain unnoticed until serious complications develop.
For Nigerians concerned about their cardiovascular health, discussing cholesterol screening with a qualified healthcare professional can help identify potential problems early and guide appropriate management.
While high cholesterol does not mean that a heart attack is inevitable, leaving elevated levels unmanaged can increase the risk of serious complications. Early detection, appropriate treatment and sustainable lifestyle changes remain important steps towards protecting long-term heart health.
