Cholesterol is a lipid, a type of fat produced by the liver and found in certain foods. It is transported through the bloodstream by carriers called lipoproteins. Though cholesterol is essential for various bodily functions, including building cell membranes, creating hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and aiding digestion, it must be maintained within healthy ranges.
Too much cholesterol can fill up the blood vessels, creating life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, too little cholesterol can impede hormone health in men and women. Therefore, understanding cholesterol, monitoring levels, and managing it effectively are imperative for long-term well-being.
What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol, medically referred to as hyperlipidaemia, is caused by the presence of an excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Such a condition usually occurs due to an unhealthy lifestyle, genetic predisposition, or some underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes.
When cholesterol levels increase, low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, often called "bad cholesterol," can deposit fatty substances on arterial walls. These deposits form plaques, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Over time, atherosclerosis can obstruct blood flow, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Why Cholesterol Numbers Important?
These figures determine how well your heart is working, and they are a determining factor for conditions such as coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Usually, these values are evaluated in the context of a lipid panel test, which examines different cholesterol and triglyceride types within your blood.
Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels allows for early intervention. Knowing your numbers helps you make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication, reducing the risk of long-term complications.
What Cholesterol Levels Are Tested?
A standard lipid panel measures four key components:
Total Cholesterol: This includes all types of cholesterol in your blood.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Known as "bad cholesterol," it can accumulate in arteries and lead to blockages.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol," it assists in removing excess cholesterol from the blood.
Triglycerides: These are a form of fat stored in your body, and when elevated, they increase the risk of heart disease.
Each of these components is used to determine cardiovascular risk and what should be done to treat it.
What is the Unit of Measurement for Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) of blood. Some countries may measure it in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The relationship between these units and types of cholesterol is shown here:
Total Cholesterol: Desirably less than 200 mg/dL.
LDL Cholesterol: Ideally under 100 mg/dL for those at highest cardiovascular risk.
HDL Cholesterol: This protective level is at least 60 mg/dL.
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
These are guidelines for physicians and patients to assess heart health and plan interventions.
What's Treated as High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is usually identified when:
Total cholesterol is above 240 mg/dL.
LDL cholesterol is 160 mg/dL or more.
HDL cholesterol is below 40 mg/dL in men and below 50 mg/dL in women.
Triglycerides of 200 mg/dL or higher.
These levels differ slightly depending on various health conditions, family history, and age. For example, individuals with diabetes or already established cardiovascular disease will have to keep their cholesterol levels even more stringent.
Can Cholesterol Levels be too low or too high?
While the risks associated with high cholesterol are well-known, low cholesterol levels can also be problematic.
Low Cholesterol:
Low HDL levels may cause a problem in the clearance of excess cholesterol from the blood, which can increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Very low cholesterol has been associated with depression, anxiety, and even an increased risk of haemorrhagic strokes.
High Cholesterol:
Prolonged elevated levels of LDL and total cholesterol can lead to serious conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
A balance is important for overall health.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is also called the "silent killer" since it doesn't cause apparent symptoms until advanced stages, often manifesting indirectly through complications such as:
Angina caused by narrowed arteries.
Fatty deposits (xanthomas) in the skin or near the eyes.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the limbs as a warning of an impending stroke.
Fatigue that doesn't go away, or shortness of breath while exercising.
Since these symptoms are not specific and often occur later, routine screening is critical to catch high cholesterol in its early stages.
Root causes of high cholesterol
Lifestyle, genetics, and other underlying diseases cause high cholesterol. The primary risk factors include:
Lifestyle Factors:
Diet: Foods with saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol increase LDL levels.
Inadequate Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles decrease the level of HDL, which is crucial in removing extra cholesterol.
Smoking: Damages blood vessels and lowers HDL levels and it also benefits to your skin.
Excess Alcohol Consumption: Raises triglycerides and total cholesterol levels.
Genetic Factors:
Some individuals inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which leads to high cholesterol regardless of lifestyle.
Underlying Medical Conditions:
Hypothyroidism.
Type 2 diabetes.
Kidney or liver disease.
Addressing these root causes through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring can significantly improve cholesterol levels.
Prevention for high Cholesterol
Preventing high cholesterol is an active approach toward diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Here are some actionable steps:
- Heart-Healthy Diet
Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and fried items.
Use healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
- Be Physically Active
At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Control Your Weight:
Losing excess body fat can reduce levels of LDL and triglycerides while increasing levels of HDL.
- Quit Smoking:
Quitting smoking will increase HDL levels and decrease damage to arteries.
- Limit Alcohol
Follow the recommendations: one drink per day for women and two for men
- Regular Checkup
Monitor your cholesterol level at least once every 4-6 years. If you have risk factors, monitor your cholesterol levels more frequently.
- Consider Supplementary Medications
In addition to lifestyle changes, Armolipid as a natural dietary supplement can also support cholesterol level management.
It contains active ingredients like red yeast rice, berberine, and folic acid, which are said to reduce LDL cholesterol and promote better lipid profiles.
Always confirm with your doctor before taking any medication or supplement to confirm that they respond to your health needs and conditions.
Note:
The information provided in this blog is based on thorough research and is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or your doctor before using any products or following the tips mentioned here, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.
Conclusion
Cholesterol is essential to the functioning of your body, but its balance is essential to long-term health. High cholesterol often lurks undiscovered, thus posing serious risks to your cardiovascular system. Knowing the different levels of cholesterol and its causes and symptoms helps one take charge of his or her health.
Having a healthy lifestyle and appropriate timely medical intervention, along with regular monitoring, ensures that cholesterol stays a friend, not a foe. Take the step today—schedule a cholesterol test and embark on your journey to keep your heart healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the root cause of high cholesterol?
A combination of bad lifestyle choices such as the wrong diet, less exercise, smoking, genetics, especially in cases such as familial hypercholesterolemia, and several other factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypothyroidism are the most common causes of high cholesterol.
What are the 5 signs of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is often asymptomatic but may appear as complications like chest pain or angina, fatty deposits around the eyes or xanthomas, numbness in the extremities, fatigue, and breathlessness on exertion. In severe cases, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke due to the blocking of arteries.
How do I drop my cholesterol fast?
A heart-healthy diet should be adopted, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. It is recommended to avoid trans fats and processed foods. Increase physical activity, quit smoking, and consider supplements or medications like Armolipid. Always consult a doctor for tailored advice and treatment options.
What is the biggest culprit of high cholesterol?
Saturated and trans fats in fried items, processed snacks, red meats, and full-fat dairy are leading causes of cholesterol. Lifestyle diseases such as physical inactivity, excessive intake of alcohol, and smoking are known to increase levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Genetics can increase the susceptibility to these causes.