What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is defined as the amount of cholesterol in your blood that is too high. Cholesterol is a type of fat that plays a pivotal role in the body as it helps to form cells and generate specific hormones. Still, high levels of cholesterol can lead to serious problems in the body, such as heart disease and stroke, in addition to other cardiovascular problems.
There are two primary forms of cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream:
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): The term “bad cholesterol” is also used for LDL. It carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. When there is an excess of LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can be deposited in the inner lining of the arteries, forming plaques that narrow and harden the blood vessels, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
High-Density Lipoprotein: Also known as “good cholesterol,” HDL works to remove extra cholesterol from the blood, carrying it to the liver, where it can be removed.
An abnormal level of either too much LDL cholesterol and/or not enough HDL cholesterol can bring about a dangerous build-up in the arteries; when restricted by this plaque build-up, they increase the possibility of heart diseases, heart attacks, and even strokes.
Getting Tested for High Cholesterol
High cholesterol has no typical symptoms, which means the only way to find out if you have it is through a blood test. Such a test, known as a lipid profile or lipid panel, measures your levels of cholesterol as well as its components: total cholesterol and LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood.
Adults aged 40 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years. However, people with higher risk factors (such as family history, high blood pressure, or diabetes) may need to be tested more frequently.
What is included in a lipid profile?
- Total Cholesterol: This measures the total cholesterol content in the blood, which encompasses both LDL and HDL cholesterol. It is recommended to be below 200 mg/dL.
- LDL Cholesterol: The “bad” cholesterol. LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. Levels over 160 mg/dL are too high and risky.
- HDL Cholesterol: This is known as “good” cholesterol. A high level of HDL is good; 60 mg/dL or higher is desirable.
- Triglycerides: These are the most common kind of fat in the blood. The level of triglycerides can be higher and increase the risk of heart disease. A level typically below 150 mg/dL is normal.
Cholesterol Levels
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended cholesterol levels for adults:
Cholesterol Type | Desirable Range | Borderline High | High |
Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 mg/dL | 200-239 mg/dL | 240 mg/dL or higher |
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol | Less than 100 mg/dL | 100-129 mg/dL | 130 mg/dL or higher |
HDL (Good) Cholesterol | 60 mg/dL or higher | 40-59 mg/dL | Less than 40 mg/dL (increased risk) |
Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL | 150-199 mg/dL | 200 mg/dL or higher |
Causes of High Cholesterol
Several things may lead to high levels of cholesterol:
- Diet
- Many people have high cholesterol because of poor diets, which include saturated fats derived from red meat, butter, whole milk products, and many processed foods. Food items containing trans fats include a number of processed foods, baked goods, and some margarines. A diet that includes substantial amounts of such fats promotes the increase of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the bloodstream.
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain. It causes an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood. Physical activity increases HDL or “good” cholesterol and lowers LDL.
- Obesity
- Obesity or being overweight can contribute to high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It lowers the level of HDL cholesterol.
- Smoking
- It damages the walls of blood vessels allowing cholesterol to accumulate and form plaques. It also lowers the level of HDL cholesterol or the “good” cholesterol.
- Over-Intake of Alcohol
- Consumption of alcohol in high quantities will increase levels of triglycerides and also result in weight gain, factors that increase cholesterol levels.
- Family Traits
- For some individuals, a family tendency is the factor for high cholesterol. However, it is an inherited condition, termed familial hypercholesterolemia, where one develops a genetic anomaly that predisposes him to very high levels of LDL cholesterol at the age of their young life.
- Other Diseases
- Certain diseases may also increase the cholesterol level. These include:
- Diabetes: When blood sugar levels are not regulated, it tends to increase cholesterol levels.
- Hypothyroidism: A decrease in thyroid hormone levels results in an increase in cholesterol levels.
- Kidney Disease: When there is an issue with the kidneys, cholesterol processing and removal from the body can be affected.
How to Lower Your Cholesterol
A high cholesterol level requires lifestyle adjustments first to manage the condition. Here are some of the most effective strategies for cholesterol reduction:
- Healthy Diet
Lower saturated fats; minimize foods and beverages with saturated fat content, such as fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods.
Avoid trans fats; avoid partially hydrogenated oils in the products.
Eat more fiber: Oats, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables contain soluble fiber; they help lower levels of LDL cholesterol.
More omega-3 fatty acids: The healthy fats found in such food items as salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds can help raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides.
Add plant sterols and stanols: These are substances found in fortified foods, which can block the absorption of cholesterol.
- Exercise regularly
Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can increase HDL cholesterol and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which is an important strategy in managing cholesterol levels.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight loss can help reduce body fat: Losing excess weight can reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and improve your HDL cholesterol level. Even a moderate weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can have good effects.
- Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking can increase your HDL cholesterol level and lower your risk of heart disease.
- Reduce Alcohol Intake
If you consume alcohol, it should be in moderation. For women, this means no more than one drink per day; for men, it’s no more than two drinks per day. The less you consume alcohol, the lower your cholesterol levels will be.
Medicines for High Cholesterol
If lifestyle changes are not enough, your physician will prescribe medications. The most common types of medications for high cholesterol include:
- Statins
Statins are the most widely prescribed kind of prescription drug for individuals suffering from high cholesterol. They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol, thus reducing the level of the LDL cholesterol. Some other statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor).
- Bile Acid Sequestrants
These drugs work by binding to bile acids in the gut, preventing them from being reabsorbed. This makes the liver work harder to make more bile acids, which require more cholesterol. This reduces cholesterol levels.
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Ezetimibe (Zetia) is a drug that inhibits the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. This reduces total cholesterol.
- PCSK9 Inhibitors
These are relatively newer injectable drugs that support the liver in absorbing more of LDL cholesterol, resulting in the lowering of cholesterol levels within the blood. They are typically prescribed for patients having familial hypercholesterolemia or the inability to take statins.
- Fibrates
Fibrates are used primarily to reduce triglyceride levels; however, some of them might also increase HDL levels. They do not have widespread use in the reduction of LDL.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
The medication niacin lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and elevates HDL cholesterol, although it is not commonly used as a first-line treatment due to its potential side effects.
Conclusion
High cholesterol is a serious condition that silently increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Fortunately, cholesterol can be managed through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medications. Regular testing is key to identifying high cholesterol early, especially since the condition often presents no symptoms. You can keep your cholesterol levels in control and thereby cut down on severe health issues with a healthy diet, proper physical activity, an ideal weight level, and all the recommendations of a doctor.
