high cholesterol

Overview

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 cholesterol. 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 cholesterol 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.   

If the results of your tests fall outside of acceptable ranges, your doctor may advise taking more frequent readings. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, 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:

Lipids with a low density (LDL). 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, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). 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 cholesterol levels:

long-term kidney disease

Diabetes

HIV/AIDS

Hypothyroidism

Lupus

Some sorts of medications you might be taking for various health issues, such as: 

 

Some sorts of medications you may 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 cholesterol levels might be influenced by the following factors:

a bad diet. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated or trans fats can lead to undesirable 

triglyceride levels 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 cholesterol.

exercise inactivity The "good" cholesterol in your body, HDL, is increased by exercise.

Smoking. Smoking cigarettes may cause your HDL, or "good," cholesterol, to drop.

Alcohol. Alcohol consumption in excess might raise your total cholesterol level.

Age. Even young toddlers can have high cholesterol, although adults over 40 are far more likely to have it. The ability of your liver to eliminate LDL cholesterol declines with age.

Complications

Atherosclerosis formation

Atherosclerosis formation

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A harmful buildup of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of your arteries can result from high cholesterol (atherosclerosis). These accumulations (plaques) may lessen blood flow through your arteries, which may lead to issues like:

chest pain You may have chest pain (angina) and other signs of coronary artery disease if your heart's blood-supplying arteries (coronary arteries) are damaged.

chest pains. When plaques rip or rupture, a blood clot may form at the site of the rupture, obstructing blood flow or rupturing and occluding an artery downstream. You will experience a heart attack if blood flow to a portion of your heart is cut off.

Stroke. A stroke happens when a blood clot prevents blood flow to a portion of your brain, much like a heart attack does.

Prevention

You can help prevent getting high cholesterol by making the same heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol. In order to lower your cholesterol, 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