Let’s take a closer look at one of the most famous but often unnoticed NCDs, hyperlipidemia. It is known as the “silent killer,” often showing no symptoms but contributing significantly to stroke episodes and heart attacks among Malaysians without warning signs [1]. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia, or commonly known as high cholesterol, is alarmingly high among Malaysian adults. In Malaysia, 33.3% of adults have high cholesterol—that’s 7.6 million adults! [1]. 

There are a few contributing risk factors to hyperlipidemia, and it is important for us to understand them, so that we could take action to prevent the disease progression. 

1. Unhealthy Diet: Malaysians love food and have interesting menus due to the diversity in cultures and religions. While the food is great to taste, those hidden unhealthy fats, such as those found in fast food, processed food, and fried food, are also readily accessible and have become a major diet among Malaysians. With the faster pace in Malaysia and hectic lifestyle, often, we love dining-out. Without us noticing, we are actually consuming high sodium food and high sugary food, increasing our risks of high blood pressure and diabetes, too! [2].
2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Well, did you exercise or walk at least 10,000 steps a day? Research shows that Malaysian adults work long hours in front of their computer, with minimal physical activity has actually caused fats to build up in our bodies. This increased the obesity prevalence, further exemplifies our risks of getting the 3-highs [4].