Cholesterol is a fatty substance that your liver produces to protect nerves and also to produce cells and hormones. The body also absorbs cholesterol from foods that you consume. This includes meats, eggs as well as dairy products. There’s “good” (HDL) cholesterol as well as “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. A high amount of unhealthy cholesterol (LDL) is not good for your health.
How can you tell the difference in “good” cholesterol as well as “bad” cholesterol?
Good cholesterol is also known by the name high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It is responsible for removing cholesterol from bloodstream. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol.
If your total cholesterol is elevated due to an elevated LDL levels, then you could be more susceptible to stroke or heart disease. However, if the total cholesterol levels are high because of a higher HDL amount, then you’re not at a higher risk.
Triglycerides is a different type of fat found in your blood. When you consume greater quantities of calories than the body is able to utilize, it converts the fat into triglycerides.
Modifying your habits (diet and exercising) can help lower cholesterol levels, decrease LDL and triglycerides. It can also improve HDL.
The ideal cholesterol level for you will depend on the level of risk for developing heart disease.
The total cholesterol level is less than 200 is the ideal however, it is contingent the HDL as well as LDL level.
LDL cholesterol levels are less than 130. This is the ideal, however it is contingent on your risk of developing heart disease.
HDL cholesterol levels of 60 or more reduces your risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides that are lesser than 150 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) is the best.
The signs of high cholesterol
Most of the time, there aren’t particular signs of high cholesterol. There is a chance that you be suffering from high cholesterol and be unaware of it.
If you’re suffering from high cholesterol, your body could store extra cholesterol in your blood vessels. These blood vessels transfer circulation of blood between your heart and the other organs in your body. The accumulation of cholesterol in your arteries is referred to as plaque. In time, plaque will be hard and cause an artery narrow. The accumulation of plaque in large amounts can completely block an arterial. Cholesterol plaques also split which can lead to the creation of blood clots which blocks blood flow.
A blocked artery that connects to the heart could trigger heart attacks. A blocked artery that connects your brain could result in stroke.
Most people don’t know their cholesterol levels are high until they experience some of the life-threatening situations. A few people learn about it during routine health checks, which include blood tests.
What is the cause of the high level of cholesterol?
The liver is the main source of cholesterol, but you also absorb cholesterol from foods. Ingestion of too many food items which are rich in fats can raise the level of cholesterol in your body.
Being overweight and inactive can lead to high cholesterol. If you’re overweight, then you are likely to have higher levels of triglycerides. If you don’t exercise or don’t exercise regularly it could lower the level of your HDL (good cholesterol).
The family history of your parents can also influence your cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that high cholesterol is a common trait within families. If you’re a family member with the condition then you might be a victim as well.
Smoking is also a cause of high cholesterol. It reduces the HDL (good cholesterol).
How can high cholesterol be diagnosed?
It is difficult to tell the presence of high cholesterol without testing it. Simple blood tests can determine your cholesterol levels.
Aged 35 and over and women who are aged 45 and older must have their cholesterol tested. Both women and men who are aged 20 and older with high risk factors for heart disease need to have their cholesterol tested. Teens could need to be tested if they are taking certain medications or have a family background with high cholesterol. Consult your physician about how often you need to have your cholesterol tested.
Heart disease risk factors include:
Cigarette smoking
High blood pressure
Ageing in place
Family member (parent or sibling) who has been diagnosed with heart disease
Being overweight or obese
Inactivity
How can high-cholesterol levels be avoided or prevented?
Healthy food choices and exercising are the two best ways to decrease your chances of getting high cholesterol.
Reduce your intake of saturated fats (such as red meats and the majority of dairy products). Choose healthier fats. This includes avocados, lean meats, nuts, as well as low-fat dairy products. Avoid food items which have trans-fat (such as packaged and fried food items). Choose foods high in omega-3 acid fatty acids. This includes herring, salmon walnuts, almonds, and walnuts. Some egg brands contain omega-3.
Exercise is easy. Walk. Participate in an yoga class. Take a bike ride to work. You can even take part in the sport of team. Make sure you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Treatment for high cholesterol
If you’re suffering from high cholesterol levels, you may have to make lifestyle adjustments. Smokers should you must stop. Exercise regularly. In case you’re overweight, even losing 5-10 pounds could boost the cholesterol levels of your body and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Be sure to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits Whole grains, as well as fish.
Based on the risk factors you have the doctor can prescribe medication and lifestyle modifications.
High cholesterol is a risk for those who live with it.
If you’re a high-cholesterol person you are twice more likely to suffer from heart disease. This is why it’s essential to get your cholesterol levels examined particularly when you have an ancestral background of cardiovascular disease. The reduction of cholesterol levels LDL “bad cholesterol” by a healthy eating habits, exercise and medications can have an effect on overall wellness.
Questions you can ask your doctor
Do I have a risk of developing heart disease?
How to lower high cholesterol?
When should I have my cholesterol levels checked?
What is my cholesterol level? Are they too high?
What lifestyle changes do I have to make in order to increase your cholesterol and improve my health?
Do I need a cholesterol-lowering medicine?
What are the adverse consequences of taking the medication?