Cholesterol is a fatty substance the liver makes to guard nerves and also to produce cells as well as certain hormones. The body also absorbs cholesterol from foods you consume. This includes meats, eggs as well as dairy products. There’s “good” (HDL) cholesterol as well as “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. The excess of unhealthy cholesterol (LDL) could be harmful for your health.

How can you tell the difference in “good” cholesterol, and “bad” cholesterol?

Good cholesterol is also known as high density lipoprotein (HDL). It is responsible for removing cholesterol from bloodstream. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol.

If your total cholesterol is high due to the high LDL amount, you could be more susceptible to stroke or heart disease. However, if the total cholesterol levels are high due to a high HDL levels, then you’re not at a higher risk.

Triglycerides is a different type of blood fat. If you consume much more than you is able to utilize, it converts the fat into triglycerides.

Changes in your way of life (diet and exercising) will improve cholesterol levels, reduce LDL and triglycerides. It can also improve HDL.

The ideal cholesterol level for you will depend on the level of risk for developing heart disease.

The total cholesterol level is less than 200 is the ideal however it will depend the HDL and levels of LDL.
LDL cholesterol levels of less than 130 is the ideal, however it is contingent on the risk of heart disease.
HDL cholesterol levels of 60 or more reduces your risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides lesser than 150 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) is the ideal.

The signs of high cholesterol

There are often no obvious signs that indicate high cholesterol. It is possible to have high cholesterol but be unaware of it.

If you suffer from high cholesterol levels, your body can store the excess cholesterol in your blood vessels. These blood vessels transport circulation of blood between your heart and the other organs in your body. A buildup of cholesterol within your arteries is referred to as plaque. As time passes, plaque may get hard and make the arteries of your body narrow. The accumulation of plaque in large amounts can completely block an arterial. Cholesterol plaques also split which can lead to the creation of blood clots that block blood flow.

A blocked artery that connects to the heart could trigger an attack on the heart. A blocked artery in your brain could result in stroke.

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Most people don’t know the cholesterol level is high till they experience some of the life-threatening situations. Many people discover this during routine health checks, which include blood tests.

What is the cause of the high level of cholesterol?

Your liver produces cholesterol but you also absorb cholesterol from foods. Ingestion of too many food items which are rich in fat can boost the level of cholesterol in your body.

Being overweight and inactive results in high cholesterol. If you’re overweight, then you are likely to have a higher amount of triglycerides. If you don’t exercise or don’t exercise regularly this can affect the level of your HDL (good cholesterol).

The family history of your parents can also influence the level of cholesterol in your body. Research has proven that high cholesterol runs within families. If you’re the immediate family member with it and you are a member of the family, you may be affected as well.

Smoking can also cause high cholesterol. It decreases the HDL (good cholesterol).

How can high cholesterol be diagnosed?

It’s difficult to determine whether you have high cholesterol without testing it. An easy blood test can show your cholesterol levels.

Men aged 35 and over and women who are aged 45 and older must have their cholesterol tested. Women and men who are 20 years old or older with the risk factors for developing heart disease must have their cholesterol examined. Teens could need to be examined if they take certain medications or have a family background for high cholesterol. Consult your physician about how often you need to have your cholesterol tested.

Heart disease risk factors include:

Cigarette smoking
High blood pressure
Ageing in place
A family member in your immediate vicinity (parent or sibling) who has suffered from heart disease
Being overweight or obese
Inactivity

How can high-cholesterol levels be avoided or prevented?

Healthy food choices and exercising are two methods to decrease your chances of getting high cholesterol.

Consume fewer items containing saturated fats (such as red meats and the majority of dairy products). Choose healthier fats. This includes healthy meats, avocados and lean nuts, and dairy products that are low in fat products. Beware of foods which have trans-fat (such as packaged and fried food items). Find foods high in omega-3 acid fatty acids. This includes herring, salmon as well as walnuts, almonds and walnuts. Some egg brands contain omega-3.

Exercise is easy. Walk. Join an exercise class. Take a bike ride to work. You can even take part in an organized sport. Try to do 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Treatment for high cholesterol

If you suffer from high cholesterol, you might have to make lifestyle modifications. Smokers should you must stop. Exercise regularly. In case you’re overweight, just losing 5-10 pounds could increase your cholesterol levels as well as your chances of getting heart disease. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits Whole grains, as well as fish.

Based on the risk factors you have Your doctor could prescribe medication and lifestyle modifications.

High cholesterol is a risk for those who live with it.

If you’re a high-cholesterol person you are twice more likely to suffer from heart disease. This is the reason it’s essential to get your cholesterol levels tested particularly when you have an ancestral background of cardiovascular disease. The reduction of cholesterol levels LDL “bad cholesterol” through a healthy nutrition, exercise, and medications can have an influence on the overall quality of your health.

Questions you can ask your doctor

Are I at risk of heart disease?
When should I have my cholesterol levels checked?
What do my cholesterol levels mean? Are they too high?
What modifications to my lifestyle do I need to make in order to increase your cholesterol and improve my health?
Do I require cholesterol medication?
What are the adverse consequences of taking the medication?