What Is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol means there is too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your body needs some cholesterol for good health. However, too much can be harmful. In fact, high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. According to the CDC, millions of adults in the United States have high cholesterol. Because it often has no symptoms, many people do not know they have it. For this reason, regular testing is important.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Usually, high cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. Most people only find out through a blood test. Still, certain risk factors make high cholesterol more likely. For example, you may be at higher risk if you:
Because high cholesterol and heart disease are closely linked, knowing your risk factors is important.
Causes of High Cholesterol
Several things can cause high cholesterol. Sometimes, it runs in families. This is called familial hypercholesterolemia. However, lifestyle choices often play a big role. For instance, eating foods high in unhealthy fats can raise your cholesterol. Lack of exercise and smoking also increase your risk. In some cases, certain health conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid problems, can lead to high cholesterol. Even some medicines may affect your cholesterol levels.
How High Cholesterol Affects Heart Health
High cholesterol can harm your heart over time. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. As plaque grows, it makes the arteries narrow and stiff. As a result, blood has a harder time flowing to your heart. This can lead to chest pain or even a heart attack. In addition, high cholesterol can cause stroke and other problems. According to the World Health Organization, heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Clearly, managing cholesterol is key for heart health.
Diagnosis and Testing
Doctors use a simple blood test called a lipid panel to check cholesterol levels. This test measures:
Because high cholesterol usually has no signs, regular testing is important. The CDC recommends adults get their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. However, your doctor may suggest more frequent testing if you have risk factors.
Treatment Options
Doctors use several ways to treat high cholesterol. For many people, lifestyle changes are the first step. Sometimes, medicine is needed as well. Common medicines include statins, which help lower LDL cholesterol. Other types of drugs may also be used, depending on your needs. Your doctor will choose the best treatment based on your health and risk factors. Because high cholesterol and heart disease are closely linked, following your treatment plan is important.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Cholesterol
Healthy habits can make a big difference in cholesterol management. For example, you can:
Because these steps help lower cholesterol naturally, they also protect your heart. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
Prevention Tips
Although some risk factors cannot be changed, many can. To help prevent high cholesterol and heart disease, try these tips:
Because prevention is easier than treatment, starting healthy habits early is best. For more information, consult Dr. Shivaraj Reddy K