Dr Vincent Valinducq has urged adults to undergo cholesterol blood tests from age 40 during an appearance on France's TF1 television show Bonjour! La Matinale TF1 to mark World Heart Day.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the physician highlighted survey results showing 66 per cent of French people believe cholesterol is not discussed enough, despite 12 million adults in France living with elevated levels.
The research was conducted by polling agency OpinionWay in September 2026 for cholesterol management brand Danacol and French patient association Alliance du Cœur, highlighting widespread public concern over unaddressed cardiovascular risks.
Cardiovascular Risks and Essential Bodily Functions
Appearing on the morning broadcast set, Dr Valinducq explained that cholesterol is not inherently bad for human health. He noted that the body requires the lipid molecule to construct cell membrane walls, produce sex hormones, and manufacture bile salts necessary for digestion.
The health danger stems from its accumulation inside the body, Dr Valinducq warned. He stated that cholesterol collects along blood vessel walls and can block them, adding that a cholesterol plaque can also break loose and travel to the heart to cause a heart attack or reach the brain to trigger a stroke.
World Heart Day is observed globally every year on September 29 to raise public awareness about cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol itself is a wax-like substance transported through the bloodstream. While indispensable for cellular structures and hormone production, excessive accumulation of low-density lipoprotein contributes to arterial narrowing and blood vessel blockages.
Silent Symptoms and Screening Recommendations
Dr Valinducq stressed that excess cholesterol is especially hazardous because it causes no physical symptoms. He recommended that everyone speak with their physician and get a health screening starting at age 40, even if they have no existing risk factors.
Routine cholesterol screening relies on a blood test known as a lipid panel, which measures blood levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Because high cholesterol remains asymptomatic until cardiovascular complications develop, preventative blood testing serves as the principal method for early detection.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Dietary Impact
To lower elevated blood cholesterol, Dr Valinducq explained that individuals can take medical treatments while also making positive changes to their daily lifestyle habits. He specifically advised people to engage in sports and monitor their daily diet.
Dr Valinducq concluded by noting that it is possible for individuals to reduce their blood cholesterol levels by 15 per cent solely by changing what they eat.
Dietary management of cholesterol typically emphasizes replacing saturated fats with unsaturated options, increasing soluble fiber, and incorporating heart-healthy foods into daily meals. When paired with regular physical activity, nutrition modification provides an effective foundation for managing lipid levels and protecting cardiovascular health.
