Cholesterol is a fatty substance that your liver produces to protect nerves and also to produce cells as well as certain hormones. The body also absorbs cholesterol from foods that you consume. This includes meats, eggs and dairy products. There’s “good” (HDL) cholesterol as well as “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. The excess of good cholesterol (LDL) is not good for your health.
How can you tell the difference in “good” cholesterol, and “bad” cholesterol?
Good cholesterol is also known by the name high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It eliminates cholesterol from bloodstream. LDL, also known as low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol.
If your cholesterol total is elevated due to the high LDL amount, you could be more at risk of stroke or heart disease. However, if the total cholesterol levels are high because of a higher HDL amount, then you’re likely not at risk.
Triglycerides is a different type of fat found in your blood. If you consume greater quantities of calories than the body is able to utilize, it converts the energy into triglycerides.
Modifying your way of life (diet and exercising) will improve cholesterol levels, reduce LDL and triglycerides, as well as improve HDL.
The ideal cholesterol level for you will be determined by your level of risk for developing heart disease.
The total cholesterol level is less than 200 is the ideal however it will depend the HDL as well as LDL level.
LDL cholesterol levels of less than 130 is ideal, but it depends on your risk of developing heart disease.
HDL cholesterol levels of 60 or more reduces your risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides that are lower than 150 mg per deciliter (mg/dl) is the ideal.
The signs of high cholesterol
Most of the time, there aren’t particular signs of high cholesterol. It is possible to have high cholesterol but be unaware of it.
If you’re suffering from high cholesterol levels, your body can store extra cholesterol in your blood vessels. These blood vessels transfer oxygenated blood to your entire body. The accumulation of cholesterol in your arteries is referred to as plaque. As time passes, plaque may get hard and make an artery narrow. Massive deposits of plaque could 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 an attack on the heart. A blocked artery that connects the brain could cause stroke.
Most people don’t know their cholesterol levels are high until they have some of the life-threatening conditions. A few people learn about it by routine checks that involve blood tests.
What is the cause of the high level of cholesterol?
Your liver produces cholesterol however, you can also acquire cholesterol from foods. Consuming too many foods with high levels of fats can raise your cholesterol levels.
Being overweight and unfit can lead to high cholesterol. If you’re overweight, then you are likely to have a higher amount of triglycerides. If you don’t exercise or aren’t active it could lower the level of your HDL (good cholesterol).
Your family’s history can affect the level of cholesterol in your body. Studies have shown that high cholesterol is a common trait within families. If you’re a family member with it then you might be a victim as well.
Smoking can also cause high cholesterol. It decreases the HDL (good cholesterol).
How do you diagnose high cholesterol?
It is difficult to tell whether you have high cholesterol without testing it. Simple blood tests can determine your cholesterol levels.
Aged 35 and over and women who are who are 45 years old or older must have their cholesterol tested. Women and men aged 20 and older with high risk factors for heart disease must have their cholesterol examined. Teenagers might need to have their cholesterol examined if they take certain medications or have a family background with high cholesterol. Discuss with your doctor the frequency 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 to lower high cholesterol or prevent it?
Healthy food choices and exercising are two methods to decrease your chances of getting high cholesterol.
Consume fewer items containing 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 are high in trans fat (such as packaged and fried food items). Choose foods high in omega-3 fats. These include herring, salmon as well as walnuts, almonds and walnuts. Some egg brands contain omega-3.
It’s easy to exercise. Take a walk. Participate in an yoga class. Take a bike ride to work. You could also participate in an organized sport. Make sure you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Treatment for high cholesterol
If you suffer from high cholesterol levels, you may have to make lifestyle adjustments. Smokers should you must stop. Exercise regularly. In case you’re overweight, just losing 5-10 pounds could increase the cholesterol levels of your body and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Be sure to eat lots of vegetables, fruits as well as whole grains and fish.
Based on the risk factors you have the doctor can prescribe medications and lifestyle changes.
A person who has high blood cholesterol
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 in particular in the event that you have an ancestral medical history that has heart problems. The reduction of cholesterol levels LDL “bad cholesterol” through a healthy eating habits, exercise and medication can have an effect on overall wellness.
Questions you can ask your doctor
Are I at risk of heart disease?
What is the best time to have my cholesterol checked?
What do my cholesterol levels mean? Are they too high?
What modifications to my lifestyle do I need 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?
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