Young, slim… and hiding high cholesterol?

Cholesterol build-up can be observed in young and otherwise healthy adults (Thinkstock photo)

Even if you're of normal weight, you may not be as healthy as you think.

Many young adults who are apparently healthy and don't have a weight problem may have a build-up of fat and cholesterol in the walls of their arteries — a condition called atherosclerosis — which puts them at a higher risk of developing heart disease and/or a stroke later in life.

Once thought to only afflict older people, this hidden thickening of arteries is now being observed in younger and otherwise healthy adults.

Dr Tan Hong Chang, Associate Consultant at the LIFE Centre of Singapore General Hospital, explains: "Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol, fat and other substances build up in the arteries over the years and form hard structures known as plaque."

When this happens, blood flow to vital organs could be restricted. These plaques can also burst, causing a blood clot," Dr Tan adds.

Atherosclerosis develops gradually and there may not be any symptoms until an artery is so narrowed that it cannot supply adequate blood supply to your organs and tissues. Symptoms of moderate-to-severe atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected. Atherosclerosis could affect arteries of the heart, brain or in the arms or legs.

"When a blood clot completely blocks the artery or even breaks apart, it can cause a heart attack or stroke which can be debilitating or even fatal," warns Dr Tan.

On Saturday, 28 April, 2012, make sure