A waxy molecule called cholesterol is present in your blood. Although your body needs cholesterol to create healthy cells, having too much of it can increase your chance of developing heart disease.
You can form fatty deposits in your blood vessels if you have high level. Over time, these deposits thicken and restrict the amount of blood that can pass through your arteries. These deposits can occasionally unexpectedly separate and create a clot that results in a heart attack or stroke.
Although high level of it can be inherited, it’s usually brought on by poor lifestyle choices, making it both curable and preventive. In some cases, medication as well as a good diet and regular exercise can help lower high cholesterol.
Symptoms
No symptoms exist for high cholesterol. The only method to determine if you have it is through a blood test.
Whenever to visit a doctor
A person’s initial cholesterol screening should take place between the ages of 9 and 11, and after that it should be repeated every five years, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
The NHLBI advises men and women between the ages of 45 and 65 to get cholesterol testing every one to two years, respectively. Every year, people over 65 should get their cholesterol checked.
Your doctor might advise more regular measures if your test results aren’t within acceptable ranges. If you have a family history of high level, heart disease, or other risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor may also advise more frequent testing.
Causes
Protein-bound cholesterol is transported via your bloodstream. A lipoprotein is a compound of proteins and cholesterol. According to the information that the lipoprotein conveys, there are many forms of cholesterol. As follows:
- LDL, or low-density lipoprotein. LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol, carries cholesterol metabolites all over the body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the artery walls, hardening and constricting them.
- HDL, or high-density lipoprotein. The “good” cholesterol HDL removes extra cholesterol from your body and transports it to your liver.
Triglycerides, a kind of blood fat, are often measured as part of a lipid profile. Your chance of developing heart disease may also increase if your triglyceride levels are high.
Unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels are influenced by factors you may change, like inactivity, obesity, and a poor diet. Additionally, outside factors can be involved. For instance, your genes may make it more challenging for your body to eliminate LDL cholesterol from your blood or for the liver to break it down.
The following medical problems might result in abnormal levels:
- Long-term kidney disease
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Hypothyroidism
- Lupus
Some sorts of medications you might be taking for various health issues, such as:
- Acne
- Cancer
- Elevated blood pressure
- HIV/AIDS
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Transplantation of organs
Risk elements
Your chance of having abnormal levels might be influenced by the following factors:
A bad diet. Unhealthy levels can be caused by eating too much saturated or trans fat. Saturated fats can be found in full-fat dairy products and fatty animal cuts. Trans fats can frequently be found in packaged desserts or snacks.
Obesity. People who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are at risk of having high level of it.
Absence of exercise. Exercise increases the amount of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol in your body.
Smoking. Smoking cigarettes may cause your HDL, or “good,” cholesterol, to drop.
Alcohol. Alcohol consumption in excess might raise your total level.
Age. Even young toddlers can have high level, although adults over 40 are far more likely to have it. The ability of your liver to eliminate LDL cholesterol declines with age.
Prevention
You can help prevent getting high level by making the same heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can lower your level. In order to lower your level, you can:
- Consume a diet low in salt with a focus on fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains.
- Use healthy fats sparingly and animal fats in moderation.
- Get rid of extra weight and keep your weight in check
- Stop smoking.
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
- If you do consume alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Reduce stress
