High Cholesterol: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options - Wellsun Medicity

High cholesterol levels, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a condition where the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood are elevated. LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of the arteries, leading to their hardening and narrowing, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

High cholesterol level, doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:

•          A healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and salt.
•          Regular exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, to help improve your overall health.
•        Quitting smoking, if you smoke.
•        Maintaining a healthy weight.
•        Getting regular check-ups and screenings to monitor your cholesterol levels.

Medication may also be prescribed to help lower your cholesterol levels.

It's important to note that high cholesterol levels can be inherited or caused by lifestyle factors, such as a diet that is high in saturated fats and cholesterol. It's also important to understand that high cholesterol levels can be a silent killer, as they may not cause any symptoms until they have already caused significant damage to your cardiovascular system.

High cholesterol  level in younger Generation 

High cholesterol is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is produced by the liver and is also found in the food we eat. There are different types of cholesterol, including:

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol: often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol: often referred to as "good" cholesterol, high levels of HDL cholesterol can help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and reduce the risk of heart disease.

VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol: a type of cholesterol that is produced by the liver and is associated with increased triglyceride levels.

High cholesterol can cause a range of health problems, including:

Heart disease: High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in many countries.

Stroke: High cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke, which is a leading cause of disability and death.

Peripheral artery disease: High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in the peripheral arteries, reducing blood flow to the arms and legs.

Coronary artery disease: High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack.

Carotid artery disease: High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in the carotid arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain and increasing the risk of stroke.

Some common symptoms of high cholesterol include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs

The diagnosis of high cholesterol is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including:

Blood pressure test: This test measures your blood pressure and can help identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to high cholesterol.

Fasting lipid profile test Or Preferably Fasting : This test measures the levels of LDL, HDL, and VLDL cholesterol in your blood triglyceride levels and may be used to diagnose hypertriglyceridemia.

High cholesterol often does not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as a "silent killer." In fact, many people with high cholesterol do not experience any symptoms until they develop atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. However, there are some possible symptoms that may indicate high cholesterol.

It's important to note that many people with high cholesterol do not experience any symptoms until they develop a serious health problem. Therefore, it's crucial to get regular check-ups and screenings to detect high cholesterol early on and take steps to manage it.

The fascinating world of cholesterol!

Cholesterol is a type of fat that's found in the blood and is produced by the liver. It's a waxy, fat-like substance that's essential for the body's functioning, but excessive levels of it can lead to cardiovascular disease. There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (good) and LDL (bad).

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) - Good Cholesterol

 This process helps to:

            Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

•    Prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
•     Desirable HDL levels are typically above 60 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
•     LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) - Bad Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it carries excess cholesterol from the liver to the cells, where it can accumulate and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries). High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to:

•  Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
•  Plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
•  Heart attack and stroke.
•  Desirable LDL levels are typically below 100 mg/dL.
•  VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein) and Cholesterol Esters

Cholesterol esters are a type of cholesterol that's been bound to fatty acids. They're formed in the liver and transported to the bloodstream, where they can be broken down into free cholesterol and fatty acids.

The Relationship Between Cholesteroland Heart Disease

Excessive levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. When LDL cholesterol accumulates in the bloodstream, it can oxidize and become trapped in the walls of the arteries, leading to inflammation and plaque buildup. This process can lead to atherosclerosis, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

On the other hand, high levels of HDL cholesterol can help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.

•          Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels
•          To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, it's essential to:
•          Eat a balanced diet that's low in saturated and trans fats.
•        Choose healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil.
•          Limit your intake of dietary cholesterol.
•          Exercise regularly to help boost your HDL levels.

•       Remember, a healthy lifestyle, combined with regular health checks and monitoring of your cholesterol levels, can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Wellsun Medicity Hospital

DR MOHAMMAD TARIQ ALI

MBBS, MD (Medicine), Interventional Cardiology)

 DM (Cardiology) Senior Consultant-Interventional Cardiology   

+91- 1800 889 1200 / +91-6389010203

https://wellsunmedicity.com/Cardiology.html

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