World Heart Day is an important annual event that aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and the importance of taking care of your heart. This day is also used as an opportunity to highlight various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for heart disease.

High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease because it can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can restrict blood flow, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

When cholesterol levels are elevated, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, the chances of developing cardiovascular issues escalate.

Additionally, an entire family may have high LDL levels, without any symptoms, and no one is aware of it.

As LDL cholesterol in most cases doesn't show any symptoms, the external appearance of someone being healthy or fit could be misleading. The young ones from the family who generally can be considered safe from any chronic conditions aren't exempt.

Genetic factors like familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can cause dangerously high LDL levels from childhood, regardless of diet or lifestyle. 

Source:Ndtv