Cholesterol
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High Cholesterol

High cholesterol refers to an elevated level of cholesterol in the blood, a fatty substance necessary for building cells and producing hormones. While the body naturally produces cholesterol, excess amounts—often due to poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, or genetics—can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.

This increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Managing cholesterol levels through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sometimes medication is crucial for maintaining heart health.

What is High Cholesterol?

If your blood contains excessive amounts of lipids, or fats, you have high cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia are other names for it.

For proper operation, your body need the ideal quantity of lipids. Your body will not be able to use all of the fats if you consume too many. The extra fat starts to build up in your arteries. In your blood, they combine with other substances to form plaque, or fatty deposits.

Within your arteries, this plaque progressively becomes thicker, even though it might not cause any problems for years. This explains the dangers of untreated elevated cholesterol. Without your knowledge, the extra lipids in your blood help the plaque to form. Only a blood test is able to detect high cholesterol.

Lipid panels are blood tests that measure the amount of lipids in your blood. Based on your age, sex, and past heart disease history, you can determine what constitutes high cholesterol.

Comparing good and bad cholesterol

Lipids come in several varieties. The two main ones—”bad cholesterol” and “good cholesterol”—are probably well-known to you.

Good cholesterol includes high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. Assume that the letter “H” represents “helpful.” To go to the liver, HDLs carry fat. Your liver maintains a healthy balance of cholesterol. It eliminates the remaining cholesterol and produces enough to meet your body’s demands. For cholesterol to be delivered to the liver, HDL levels must be enough. If your HDL levels are too low, your blood will contain too much cholesterol.

The term low-density lipoprotein (LDL) refers to bad cholesterol. This is the reason why plaque accumulates in your arteries. An excess of LDLs may eventually lead to heart disease.

When should you have your cholesterol checked?

Childhood or adolescence might be the onset of high cholesterol. Current standards recommend starting screenings in childhood because of this.

  • Kids and teenagers: Beginning at age nine, have your cholesterol examined every five years. A youngster may start even earlier if their parents have a history of cardiac issues or excessive cholesterol.
  • Individuals who were assigned male at birth (AMAB): Up to the age of 45, have your cholesterol examined every five years. Between the ages of 45 and 65, have an examination every one to two years. Get examined annually beyond the age of sixty-five.
  • Individuals who were assigned female at birth (AFAB): be examined every five years until they are 55. Get examined once every two years from the age of 55 to 65. Once you are over 65, be examined annually.
  • They are only broad recommendations. The best course of action will be discussed with you by your physician. For instance, a person in their 20s who has elevated cholesterol levels could require annual testing for some time. Individuals with additional heart disease risk factors could also require more regular testing.

Reasons for elevated cholesterol levels

High cholesterol is influenced by both heredity and lifestyle choices. Among the lifestyle aspects are:

  • Tobacco usage and smoking: Smoking increases your LDL cholesterol and decreases your HDL cholesterol.
  • Having a lot of stress: Your body produces cholesterol as a result of hormonal changes brought on by stress.
  • Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use might increase total cholesterol.
  • Not getting enough exercise: Your cholesterol levels are improved by physical activity, such as aerobic exercise. Your body will not make enough “good cholesterol” if you work at a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting down.
  • Diet: Certain meals might cause your cholesterol to rise or fall. Healthcare professionals may occasionally suggest dietary adjustments or a consultation with a nutritionist to talk about your diet.

Signs of elevated cholesterol levels

For most people, high cholesterol has no symptoms. You can be a marathon runner with high cholesterol. Until your body develops other problems because of the high cholesterol, you will not feel any symptoms.

Peripheral artery disease, hypertension, and stroke are among the illnesses that are made more likely by excessive cholesterol. Diabetes patients frequently have high cholesterol.

How can a high cholesterol level affect my body?

Plaque gradually builds up inside your blood vessels as a result of high cholesterol. These plaque buildups are called atherosclerosis. Individuals who have atherosclerosis are more likely to have a wide range of illnesses. This is because your blood vessels carry out vital functions throughout your body. There is therefore a cascading impact when there is an issue with one of your blood arteries.

The intricate system of pipes that keeps blood flowing through your body may be compared to your blood vessels. The substance that clogs your house pipes and slows down your shower drain is called plaque. Plaque adheres to your blood vessels’ inner walls, reducing the amount of blood that may pass through.

High cholesterol causes plaque to build up inside your blood vessels. If you do not obtain treatment, the plaque will become larger. Your blood arteries constrict or block when the plaque grows in size. As with a partially blocked drain, your blood vessels could continue to function for a very long period. They will not, nevertheless, operate as effectively as they ought to.

Your chance of developing additional illnesses is increased by high cholesterol, depending on which blood arteries are obstructed.

CAD, or coronary artery disease,

Other names for coronary artery disease (CAD) include ischemic heart disease and coronary heart disease (CHD). When most people say “heart disease,” they mean this. In the United States, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent kind of heart disease and the primary cause of mortality.

When your coronary arteries are affected by atherosclerosis, you have coronary artery disease (CAD). Your heart receives its blood supply from these blood arteries. Your heart weakens and ceases to function properly when it does not receive enough blood. Heart failure or an attack can result from CAD.

It is a common misconception that CAD only affects older adults. As a matter of fact, one in five CAD deaths occur in those under 65. Because of this, it is crucial to have your cholesterol examined from an early age. In your coronary arteries, plaque can silently accumulate over time. Angina, or chest discomfort, is an indication of a heart attack that many people are unaware of until they experience it.

Carotid artery disease

Atherosclerosis is referred to as carotid artery disease when it affects your carotid arteries. Blood is transported to the vast, frontal region of your brain via your carotid arteries. When plaque blocks these arteries, your brain is unable to get enough blood that is rich in oxygen.

TIAs, often known as “mini-strokes,” or strokes can result from carotid artery dysfunction.

Disease of the peripheral arteries (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the term used to describe atherosclerosis that affects the arteries in your arms or legs. Because they are distant from your heart and the core of your body, the arteries in your arms and legs are referred to as “peripheral.” Although it can occur in the arms as well, PAD is more frequent in the legs.

Because PAD frequently has no symptoms, it is risky. A peripheral artery that is at least 60% obstructed may be the point at which you begin to experience symptoms. Intermittent claudication is one of the main symptoms. When you move about, this leg cramp begins, yet when you relax, it stops. It is an indication of decreased blood flow brought on by the artery’s developing plaque.

In addition to causing serious issues with your legs and feet, PAD can also affect other parts of your body. The cardiovascular system connects all of your blood vessels, which explains why. Thus, a buildup of plaque in one place slows down your entire system of “pipes.”

Although they are not the same thing, PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) are connected. Individuals who have one ailment are also prone to have the other. Many risk factors are similar for CAD and PAD.

Elevated blood pressure

There is a connection between high cholesterol and high blood pressure, or hypertension. Calcium and cholesterol buildup constrict and harden your arteries. Therefore, pumping blood through them requires a lot more effort from your heart. Your blood pressure therefore rises too high.

Heart disease is mostly caused by excessive blood pressure and high cholesterol. In the United States, approximately one in three persons suffers from excessive blood pressure and high cholesterol. In each group, over half of the adults either do not use any treatment at all or feel that it does not assist them enough.

Changes in lifestyle can maximize the effectiveness of drugs prescribed by your healthcare professional. Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol can be managed with lifestyle modifications. A few modifications are as follows:

  • Avoid trans and saturated fats since they can be found in high concentrations in fast food. However, depending on how they are prepared, even formal dining establishments may provide dishes that are rich in saturated fat.
  • Reduce your intake of processed foods, such as packaged snacks and sweets, and fried items.
  • Eat less salt (sodium): Salt is concealed in several meals. When shopping, it is crucial to read the labels. Nutritional data for menu items may be shared by certain eateries.
  • Put an end to tobacco use and smoking: One of the main risk factors for blood vessel issues and heart disease is smoking.

Which health issues have an impact on my cholesterol levels?

There is a reciprocal association between cholesterol and health issues. Medical issues such as atherosclerosis can be brought on by high cholesterol. However, you may be more susceptible to high cholesterol if you have certain medical issues. Your cholesterol levels may be affected by the following conditions.

CKD, or chronic kidney disease

The risk of coronary artery disease is increased in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is because people with CKD have faster plaque accumulation in their arteries. Compared to renal disease, heart disease is more likely to kill those with early-stage CKD.

You have more blood triglycerides (a kind of fat) when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Increases in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol are another effect of it. The particles that transport triglycerides are called VLDLs. In the meanwhile, CKD inhibits the proper function of your HDLs and decreases your levels of “good cholesterol.” The structure of your “bad cholesterol” (LDL) particles is also altered by CKD, making them more harmful.

HIV

Heart attacks and strokes are almost twice as common in those with HIV as in those without the virus. Previously, researchers believed that HIV drugs (antiretroviral treatment) were the cause of this increased risk. They thought the drugs caused a person’s cholesterol to rise. However, more recent studies reveal that an individual’s immune system is the real culprit.

Your immune system may still be engaged even if you are managing your HIV. Your body experiences chronic inflammation as a result of this. Atherosclerosis and plaque accumulation are brought on by this inflammation.

People with HIV are living longer, which is wonderful news. However, this indicates that further study is needed to examine the effects of chronic conditions like heart disease.

Thyroid conditions

Your cholesterol levels might be impacted by thyroid dysfunction. This is due to the fact that the thyroid hormone affects how your body breaks down lipids, or fats. The type of thyroid condition you have will determine the impact.

Your body produces too much thyroid hormone if you have hyperthyroidism. The medications used to treat this problem may cause your total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels to rise. Discuss cholesterol management with your healthcare practitioner if you are receiving treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism: This disorder results in insufficient thyroid hormone production. Moreover, it raises your cholesterol levels. In this instance, thyroid illness medication results in a reduction in cholesterol levels. In order to achieve the desired range of cholesterol, you might still need to take statins. What is best for your particular situation will be discussed by your provider.

Researchers are still investigating the connections between heart disease and thyroid disorders. Some research indicates that cardiac issues unrelated to plaque or cholesterol accumulation can be brought on by thyroid disorders. For instance, an individual may be more susceptible to heart failure if they have either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

The Lupus

Individuals with lupus typically have elevated triglyceride and “bad cholesterol” (LDL, VLDL) levels. They also have lower HDL (or “good cholesterol”) values. High cholesterol is more common in people with active lupus than in people with well-managed (silent) lupus.

You are more likely to get coronary artery disease if you have lupus. This is due to the fact that lupus results in a continuous state of inflammation in your body. Because of this inflammation, plaque accumulates in your arteries more quickly.

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome

Individuals who have PCOS are more likely to have heart disease. As they become older, this danger increases. Numerous heart disease risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are increased by PCOS. Low levels of “good cholesterol” (HDL) and high levels of “bad cholesterol” (LDL) are more common in those with PCOS.

Mellitus diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes increase the risk of peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease by twofold. Triglyceride and LDL levels are greater while HDL levels are lower in those with diabetes.

Approximately 7 out of 10 individuals with Type 2 diabetes have dyslipidemia associated with their diabetes. This suggests that their “small dense” LDL levels are high, their triglyceride levels are high, and their HDL levels are low. One particular kind of cholesterol protein that can readily penetrate your arterial wall and harm it is called “small dense” LDL. Plaque might develop if there are too many tiny, dense LDLs in your blood.

What is the best way to reduce cholesterol?

Discuss the most effective strategy for reducing your cholesterol with your healthcare professional. Certain individuals just require minor lifestyle adjustments, such as consuming less saturated fat. Others require both medicine and a change in lifestyle. People who have health issues that impact their cholesterol levels might require a more sophisticated strategy. Discuss lifestyle variables, family history, and medical history with your provider. You and your partner will devise a strategy to reduce your cholesterol levels.

Keep in mind that even the finest ideas require time to implement. We all have setbacks. It is acceptable to struggle and to let your provider know when a plan is not working. Even the most rigorous lifestyle modifications may not always be sufficient to reduce your cholesterol levels. This is due to the fact that your liver produces the majority of the cholesterol in your body. Therefore, a lot of other things that are outside your control and unrelated to what is on your dinner plate come into play.

Be patient and keep in mind that having high cholesterol does not indicate that you are a failure. It is caused by several subtle changes that are taking place inside your body. While you may take charge of what you can, remember that drugs and other medical procedures are available to cover the gaps.

Risk variables

Unhealthy cholesterol levels can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • inadequate nutrition: Consuming excessive amounts of trans or saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels to dangerous levels. Full-fat dairy products and fatty meat cuts are good sources of saturated fat. Packaged sweets and snacks frequently include trans fats.
  • being overweight: Your risk of elevated cholesterol increases if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher.
  • not exercising: Exercise increases the “good,” or HDL, cholesterol in your body.
  • smoking. HDL, or “good,” cholesterol, may be reduced by cigarette smoking.
  • Drinking alcohol: An excessive amount of alcohol consumption might raise your overall cholesterol level.
  • Age: Although bad cholesterol can be seen in early children, it is far more prevalent in adults over 40. LDL cholesterol is harder for your liver to eliminate as you become older.

Complications

An unhealthy buildup of cholesterol and other deposits on the arterial walls, known as atherosclerosis, can be brought on by high cholesterol. These deposits, known as plaques, can lessen blood flow through your arteries, leading to problems like:

chest discomfort: Angina, or chest discomfort, and other signs of coronary artery disease may be experienced if the arteries that feed blood to your heart (coronary arteries) are impacted.

heart attack: A blood clot may develop at the site of a plaque rip or rupture, obstructing blood flow or rupturing and clogging an artery downstream. You will suffer a heart attack if blood flow to a portion of your heart ceases.

stroke: A stroke happens when a blood clot stops blood flow to a portion of your brain, much like a heart attack.

Avoidance

You may avoid having high cholesterol in the first place by adopting the same heart-healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce your cholesterol. You may do the following to help avoid high cholesterol:

  • Consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in salt.
  • Use healthy fats sparingly and cut out on animal fats.
  • Reduce excess weight and keep your weight in check.
  • Give up smoking.
  • Spend at least half an hour exercising most days of the week.
  • Use alcohol moderately if you do drink.
  • Control your stress

FAQs

What is the main cause of high cholesterol?

A high cholesterol level is caused by an excess of the fatty chemical cholesterol in the blood. The primary causes of it include smoking, consuming alcohol, being overweight, eating fatty foods, and not exercising enough. It may run in families as well. Eating well and exercising more will help you reduce your cholesterol.

What are the 5 signs of high cholesterol?

Dizziness, a slurred stride, discomfort in the lower legs, or left-sided chest pain, pressure, or fullness are all signs of heart disease, stroke, or atherosclerosis in other blood vessels. High cholesterol may be a contributing factor to any of these illnesses, all of which need immediate medical attention.

How to lose cholesterol fast?

Whole grain and oats. Fiber, which is found in oats and other whole grains like barley and brown rice, can help lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
Omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, avocados, legumes, leafy green vegetables, fruits, and olive oil are just a few examples.

What is the best exercise to lower cholesterol?

The most effective workouts for lowering cholesterol
brisk jogging or walks. You do not have to run at full speed on the elliptical or treadmill…. Cycle. Perhaps you were keeping active as a child by riding your bike around town with friends and family, so you did not have to worry about cholesterol levels.
Swimming, yoga, etc.

Can drinking water lower cholesterol?

The healthy cholesterol is known as HDL, while the bad cholesterol is known as LDL. HDL (good) is low and LDL (bad) is high in those with high cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol levels in two to three weeks can be achieved with a nutritious diet, frequent exercise, and lots of water.

References:

  • Professional, C. C. M. (2024d, November 19). High cholesterol diseases. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11918-cholesterol-high-cholesterol-diseases
  • High cholesterol – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800

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