The Cost of Health: How Inflation is Making Our Hearts Pay the Price
High cholesterol used to be just another number on my lab report, something to be concerned about but not necessarily alarmed. Now, with the price of everything skyrocketing, that number is looking more like a ticking time bomb. Inflation isn’t just draining our wallets; it’s draining our health too. With nearly 94 million American adults struggling with high cholesterol, it’s clear that the combination of rising costs and declining health is becoming a national crisis. Every 34 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease, and much of this can be traced back to high cholesterol. It’s no longer a silent enemy—it’s an epidemic fuelled by the rising cost of living.
The irony? While food prices soar and healthcare becomes increasingly inaccessible, fast food chains and junk food brands are flourishing, offering cheap, unhealthy options that are only making the problem worse. People can’t afford fresh produce, but they can still grab a $1 burger or a $2 soda. The result? An America where high cholesterol isn’t just common—it’s practically a given. But despite these challenges, I believe it’s still possible to fight back, even if the odds are stacked against us.
High Cholesterol: An Expensive Problem
High cholesterol isn’t just a lab report statistic anymore—it’s a glaring red flag that our hearts are in danger. LDL cholesterol, the infamous "bad" cholesterol, slowly accumulates in our arteries, leading to blockages that can cause chest pain, heart attacks, or worse. And while it’s easy to point fingers at personal lifestyle choices, we can’t ignore the role inflation plays in this health crisis. When nearly 38% of U.S. adults have high LDL cholesterol, it’s clear that this problem isn’t just about willpower—it’s about access.
Healthcare costs have ballooned, and routine tests like lipid panels, which break down cholesterol levels, are becoming luxuries for some. The American Heart Association recommends regular cholesterol checks every four to six years, but with out-of-pocket costs soaring, how many people can actually afford that? It’s no wonder that many Americans are unknowingly walking around with dangerously high cholesterol levels, unable to afford the care that could save their lives.
Cholesterol Levels by Age: The Price We Pay for Getting Older
As we age, keeping an eye on cholesterol levels becomes more critical—and more challenging. Ideal LDL cholesterol levels should be under 100 mg/dL, while HDL levels should be 60 mg/dL or higher to protect against heart disease. Total cholesterol should ideally stay below 200 mg/dL. But maintaining these numbers is harder than ever, thanks to inflation and the rising cost of healthy food and healthcare.
In the U.S., almost 7% of children and adolescents already have high cholesterol, setting them up for a lifetime of health struggles. By middle age, nearly half of us are dealing with elevated cholesterol levels. And as healthcare becomes more expensive, fewer people are getting the regular lipid panel tests they need to catch problems early. High cholesterol is especially concerning in older adults because it directly increases the risk of heart issues like chest pain and heart attacks. Yet, with the current state of healthcare, many are left untreated, simply because they can’t afford it.
8 Things You May Not Know About Cholesterol (But Should, Especially Now)
1. Cholesterol is Necessary (But So is Affording Healthy Food):Our bodies need cholesterol for crucial functions, but we also need access to affordable, healthy food to keep our cholesterol in check. With inflation driving up the cost of groceries, many are turning to cheaper, processed foods that raise LDL levels.
2. Family History Plays a Big Role (And It’s Hard to Escape It):Genetics can make high cholesterol almost inevitable, but when you add in the economic pressure to eat cheap, unhealthy food, it’s a recipe for disaster. No wonder heart disease is rampant.
3. Exercise Lowers LDL (If You Can Afford the Time and Gym Membership): Regular physical activity can lower LDL levels, but let’s face it—between working extra hours to make ends meet and the rising cost of gym memberships, finding time to exercise isn’t as easy as it used to be.
4. Healthy Fats Are Important (But Who Can Afford Them?): Incorporating healthy fats from fish, nuts, and seeds can improve cholesterol levels. However, with prices of these items climbing, many are forced to choose cheaper, less healthy options.
5. Sleep and Cholesterol are Linked (But Who’s Sleeping Well in This Economy?): Poor sleep can lead to higher LDL levels, but with the stress of financial worries, who’s getting a good night’s sleep these days?
6. Weight Loss Can Improve Your Lipid Panel (But Only If You Can Afford Healthy Food and Exercise): Losing even a small amount of weight can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL, but with the cost of living so high, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a luxury many can’t afford.
7. Not All Dietary Cholesterol is Bad (But Cheap, Processed Food Usually Is): While dietary cholesterol isn’t always harmful, the real culprits are the cheap, processed foods high in saturated fats and trans fats that are so prevalent in today’s market.
8. High Cholesterol is Often Asymptomatic (Until It’s Too Late): The real kicker? High cholesterol is often asymptomatic until it leads to something serious like chest pain or a heart attack. Without regular check-ups—which many can’t afford—most people won’t know they have a problem until it’s too late.
Fighting Back in a Rigged System
The most effective way to combat high cholesterol is through lifestyle changes, but let’s be real—it’s getting harder to make those changes when everything costs so much. Still, focusing on a balanced diet, even if it means budgeting more carefully, can make a difference. Prioritize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and cut back on saturated and trans fats, even if they’re the cheaper options. Regular exercise is crucial, but if a gym membership is out of reach, find free ways to stay active—like walking or home workouts.
Quitting smoking is another must—it’s one of the best ways to protect your heart. And while managing stress and getting enough sleep are more challenging than ever in this economy, they’re vital for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease.
In the end, it’s about making the best choices we can, even when the system seems stacked against us. High cholesterol may be a serious issue, but with some smart lifestyle adjustments, it’s one that we can still tackle—even in these tough times. Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Together, we can navigate these challenges and keep our hearts healthy.