For starters, cholesterol is an essential fatty substance the body uses, but high levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream can cause serious health problems. Cholesterol “travels” through our bodies on different particles, and the main division we see is made into “good” cholesterol (HDL) and “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Good cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the walls of the arteries. Bad cholesterol contributes to the accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a condition that reduces the diameter of the arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. This is because the buildup of fatty plaques can block blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart and brain.
What are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
Normal cholesterol levels vary slightly from person to person, but generally, these levels are considered optimal: Total cholesterol: less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). LDL cholesterol (“bad”): less than 100 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol (“good”): higher than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
What are the Warning Signs of High Cholesterol?
Several factors can increase the level of cholesterol in the blood, including:
- A poor diet is associated with high cholesterol. Excessive consumption of foods high in saturated fat and trans fats, such as red meat, fatty dairy products, fried foods, and processed foods, increases bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. In contrast, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and avocados, helps lower cholesterol levels.
- Lack of physical activity is associated with an increase in cholesterol in the blood. Regular exercise helps raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels and lower bad cholesterol levels.
- Obesity is associated with excess cholesterol. Being overweight, especially in the abdominal area, is associated with an increase in cholesterol levels. Excess fat interferes with the metabolism of fats in the body and leads to an increase in bad cholesterol levels.
- Smoking damages the walls of the arteries and increases the risk of fatty plaque accumulation.
- A genetic predisposition may increase the risk of high cholesterol levels.
- The use of certain medications, such as certain diuretics and birth control medications, can raise cholesterol levels.
- Diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and autoimmune diseases can also directly affect cholesterol levels. High blood pressure also damages the artery walls and accelerates the process of fatty plaque accumulation.
How Can I Lower My Cholesterol Levels?
There are several ways to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease:
- Dietary changes – It’s essential to reduce the consumption of saturated and trans fats and increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats.
- Regular exercise – Try to work out at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise into your schedule most days of the week.
- Weight loss is beneficial for reducing high cholesterol in the blood. Even a small weight loss can improve the lipid profile in the blood.
- Quitting smoking can help reduce high cholesterol. Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Taking medication can certainly help reduce high cholesterol. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your cholesterol level.
- By undergoing a thorough diagnosis and treatment of underlying diseases that lead to excess cholesterol.
- By stopping or changing the use of certain medications that lead to an increase in cholesterol.
It should be emphasized that these factors do not work in isolation, but often in combination. Therefore, the treatment of high cholesterol requires addressing all the factors that affect cholesterol levels, including making lifestyle changes, having a balanced diet, doing regular physical activity, as well as taking medications regularly (if required).
High cholesterol is usually asymptomatic, so it is important to have periodic blood tests to check cholesterol levels. Early detection of high cholesterol levels allows for early treatment and prevention of complications.
Primary prevention of high cholesterol begins at an early age and involves adopting a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking are the key elements in prevention. In addition, it is important to have periodic blood tests to check for cholesterol levels, especially if there are family risk factors.
