We only get one life, yet many of us spend more time tracking the numbers that shape our daily lives than we do understanding the ones that could shape our long-term health. This is particularly concerning given that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for an estimated 32% of all deaths globally, yet millions of people remain unaware of one of the most important indicators of heart health: their LDL cholesterol number.
As World Heart Month steadily approaches, healthcare professionals are encouraging South Africans to take a more proactive approach to their heart health by understanding the risks that may not always be visible.
According to Dr Renata Maharaj, Head of Medical Affairs at Novartis South Africa, knowing your LDL cholesterol number is an important first step towards understanding your overall cardiovascular risk and taking action before symptoms appear.
“Many people assume that if they feel healthy, they are healthy. However, risk factors such as high LDL cholesterol can develop silently over time without obvious symptoms, making it easy to underestimate your cardiovascular risk until a serious health event occurs,” she explains.
The challenge with high LDL cholesterol is that it often goes unnoticed. Unlike many health conditions that present noticeable symptoms, high LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries over time without any obvious warning signs. In many cases, people only discover they have elevated cholesterol levels during routine health screenings or after experiencing a serious cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke.
Knowing Your Number Matters
While factors such as family history, age and lifestyle can influence heart health, LDL cholesterol remains one of the key risk factors that can be measured and managed.
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. However, many cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, raised blood pressure and high cholesterol.
“People cannot act on risks they do not know about. Knowing your LDL cholesterol number is one of the first steps towards understanding your cardiovascular health and identifying potential risks before they develop into more serious complications. The earlier people understand their risk, the better positioned they are to take proactive steps to protect their long-term health,” adds Dr Maharaj.
Understanding Your Overall Cardiovascular Risk
For most South Africans, heart health is often only considered after a diagnosis or health scare. However, understanding cardiovascular risk before symptoms appear can play an important role in protecting long-term health.
While LDL cholesterol is one indicator of heart health, it is important to consider the broader factors that may influence cardiovascular risk and how they interact over time. Taking a more holistic view of heart health can help individuals better understand their risk and make informed decisions about their wellbeing before complications arise.
One life, One Opportunity to Act
Much like in a game, a single decision can influence what happens next. The same is true when it comes to cardiovascular health, where everyday choices and understanding your risk factors can have a significant impact on long-term health outcomes.
To help more South Africans take charge of their heart health, Novartis South Africa has launched the Liberate Hearts Game, an interactive experience that encourages conversations about cardiovascular risk and the importance of knowing your LDL cholesterol number.
The game challenges players to navigate obstacles using only one life, mirroring a simple but powerful reality: unlike in many games, real life does not come with a restart button.
The campaign aims to encourage people to think differently about their heart health and the choices they make every day by drawing attention to the importance of prevention and early action.
Dr Maharaj emphasised that the Liberate Hearts Game is a reminder that when it comes to our health, we do not get unlimited chances.
“The choices we make today can have a significant impact on our future health outcomes. By understanding our cardiovascular risk and taking action early, we can make more informed decisions about protecting our heart health for years to come,” says Dr Maharaj.
Through the Liberate Hearts campaign, Novartis South Africa hopes to encourage more people to take a proactive approach to heart health because when it comes to life, every choice matters.
For Dr Maharaj, the message behind Liberate Hearts extends beyond a game. It is about encouraging people to pause, reflect and take greater ownership of their health. “As cardiovascular disease continues to impact individuals, families and communities across South Africa, creating awareness and fostering a culture of prevention remains more important than ever,” she concludes.