In the US, high cholesterol is a rather widespread problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source estimates that over 94 million Americans aged 20 and older have what may be described as borderline high cholesterol.
However, because this ailment frequently manifests without any noticeable symptoms, you might not even be aware that you have it until you see a doctor.
Read on for all the answers to your questions regarding what causes high cholesterol, what to do if you have been diagnosed with it, and whether or not it is possible to reverse it (hint: it is).
What is Cholesterol?
One kind of lipid is cholesterol. Your liver naturally creates this waxy, fat-like material. It is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D, some hormones, and cell membranes.
Cholesterol cannot independently circulate through your blood since it does not dissolve in water. Your liver makes lipoproteins to aid in the transport of cholesterol.
Lipoproteins are fatty and protein-based particles. They circulate through the circulation, carrying triglycerides and cholesterol, another kind of lipid. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the two principal types of lipoprotein (HDL).
Any kind of cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins is an LDL cholesterin. You can be given a high cholesterol diagnosis if the LDL cholesterol in your blood is too high. Without therapy, high cholesterol can cause a number of health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Rarely do signs of high cholesterol appear at first. You should thus get your cholesterol levels tested often.
Indications of High Cholesterol
The majority of the time, high cholesterol is a “silent” disease. In most cases, it has no symptoms. Many individuals don’t even recognize they have high cholesterol until they have major side effects like a heart attack or stroke.
Regular cholesterol monitoring is crucial because of this. Ask your doctor if routine cholesterol screening is necessary if you are 20 years of age or older. Find out how you might be able to survive this screening.
High Cholesterol Factors
Your chance of acquiring high cholesterol may rise if you consume an excessive amount of foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats. You run a higher risk if you are obese. Smoking and inactivity are two other lifestyle choices that might raise cholesterol.
Your risks of acquiring high cholesterol might also be impacted by your heredity. Parents transmit their children’s genes to them. Your body receives specific gene instructions on how to metabolize cholesterol and lipids. You may have a higher chance of developing high cholesterol if your parents do.
Family history of high cholesterol might occasionally be the cause of high cholesterol. Your body can’t get rid of LDL due to this hereditary disease. The National Human Genome Research InstituteTrusted Source reports that the majority of people with this illness have total cholesterol levels that are above 300 milligrams per deciliter and LDL levels that are above 200 milligrams per deciliter.
You may be more susceptible to acquiring high cholesterol and associated issues if you already have other medical diseases like diabetes and hypothyroidism.
“Bad cholesterol,” often known as LDL
The term “bad cholesterol” is frequently used to refer to LDL. Your arteries receive cholesterol from it. LDL cholesterol can accumulate on the lining of your arteries if your levels are too high.
Cholesterol plaque is another name for this accumulation. This plaque can cause artery narrowing, reduced blood flow, and an increased risk of blood clots. A heart attack or stroke can result from a blood clot blocking an artery in your heart or brain.
“Good cholesterol,” often known as HDL
“Good cholesterol” is another name for HDL cholesterol. It aids in transporting LDL cholesterol back to the liver for elimination from the body. This aids in preventing the buildup of cholesterol plaque in your arteries.
Healthy HDL cholesterol levels can aid in reducing your risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.
Triglycerides are an alternative lipid.
The lipid class also includes triglycerides. They are not the same as cholesterol. Triglycerides serve as a source of energy for your body, whereas cholesterol is used to create hormones and certain types of cells.
Triglycerides are created when you consume more calories than your body can immediately use. Triglycerides are kept in your fat cells. Triglycerides are also transported through the circulation via lipoproteins.
Your triglyceride levels might go too high if you consistently consume more calories than your body can burn. Your chance of developing a number of illnesses, such as heart disease and stroke, may increase as a result.
Your doctor can check your triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels with a quick blood test.
Getting a Cholesterol Assessment
The American Heart Association Trusted Source advises having your cholesterol levels examined at least once every four to six years if you are 20 years of age or older. Your medical professional could advise you to have your cholesterol levels checked more frequently if you have a history of high cholesterol or other cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels may all be determined by your doctor using a lipid panel. The entire quantity of cholesterol in your blood is known as your total cholesterol level. LDL and HDL cholesterol are part of it.
Your doctor could determine that you have high cholesterol if your levels of LDL or total cholesterol are too high. When your LDL levels are too high and your HDL levels are too low, excessive cholesterol can be harmful.
Takeaway
High cholesterol typically has no symptoms. However, untreated high cholesterol might result in major health problems. The good news is that, in many circumstances, your doctor can help you manage your illness and prevent consequences.
Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol levels to find out whether you have high cholesterol, especially if you’re 20 years old or older. Ask them about your treatment choices if they identify elevated cholesterol in you.
Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment schedule and live a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk of problems from high cholesterol.
You may be able to obtain and maintain good cholesterol levels by eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and abstaining from tobacco products. It could also assist In Healthy Mind reducing the risk of issues brought on by high cholesterol.
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