What is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol, a waxy substance generated by the liver, serves essential functions in safeguarding nerves, forming specific cells and tissues, and contributing to hormone production. This form of cholesterol is known as HDL, often regarded as “good” cholesterol, and can also be obtained from sources like nuts and fatty fishes.
Conversely, certain food items such as eggs, meat, and dairy products contribute to the intake of LDL, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated levels of LDL in the bloodstream lead to a condition known as high cholesterol, which poses risks for various severe health conditions.
How does high cholesterol threaten your health?
High cholesterol can settle on your arteries like plaque. Over time, this plaque can narrow the arteries restricting blood flow. This condition is called atherosclerosis. It can lead to the following health conditions initially:
- High BP
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in hands and legs due to lack of blood flow
- Chest pain
- Chronic Kidney disease
- Increased risk of gallstones
If left untreated and uncontrolled, it can lead to fatal health conditions. If blood does not reach the heart, it can cause a heart attack and if the blood supply to the brain is not sufficient, it can cause a stroke.
Who is in risk of suffering from high cholesterol?
Cholesterol production in your body is more likely to increase in certain conditions. These include having diabetes, being obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, advancing in age, smoking, and having a family history of high cholesterol. Additionally, the choices you make in your diet play a significant role in shaping the cholesterol levels in your bloodstream.
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Serene lifestyle
- Advanced age
- Smoking
- Hereditary tendencies
What are the symptoms of having high cholesterol?
High cholesterol itself typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. It’s often referred to as a “silent” condition because it doesn’t usually present obvious signs. The best way to detect high cholesterol is through blood tests.
However, extremely high levels of cholesterol may lead to visible symptoms, such as:
Xanthomas: These are fatty deposits that build up under the skin, appearing as small, yellowish bumps. They often develop around the eyes, joints, and tendons.
Arcus senilis: This is a white or grayish ring that may appear around the cornea of the eye.
While these signs may be indicative of high cholesterol, they are not specific, and the condition is best diagnosed through blood tests. It’s important to note that high cholesterol is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and managing it through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication is crucial for maintaining heart health. Regular check-ups and cholesterol screenings are essential for early detection and intervention.
How is high cholesterol treated?
Lifestyle Changes:
- Dietary Modifications: Adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and refined sugars can help lower cholesterol levels. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, can raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Weight Management: Losing excess weight, if overweight, can contribute to lowering cholesterol levels.
Medications:
- Statins: These are commonly prescribed medications that effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels. They work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver involved in cholesterol production.
- Ezetimibe: This medication helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract.
- PCSK9 inhibitors: These drugs are injectable and work to lower LDL cholesterol by increasing the liver’s ability to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Bile Acid Sequestrants: These medications bind to bile acids in the digestive system, leading to increased excretion of cholesterol.
Combination Therapy:
- In some cases, a combination of different medications may be prescribed to achieve optimal cholesterol levels.
Regular Monitoring:
- Routine blood tests are essential to monitor cholesterol levels and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
It’s important to note that the specific treatment plan will depend on individual factors such as overall health, age, and the presence of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can tailor the approach to each person’s unique circumstances. Lifestyle changes are often a fundamental aspect of managing high cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
