High Cholesterol
What is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol(lipid), a waxy, fat like substance is present in your blood. It plays a great role in building up of healthy cells of our body, certain hormones. It cannot be transported alone as it does not dissolve in water, so with the help of proteins (excreted from liver) is transported to the blood stream. It has two types Low-Density lipoproteins (LDL) ,and High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL).
You can form fatty deposits in your blood vessels if you have high cholesterol. Over time, these deposits thicken and restrict the amount of blood that can pass through your arteries. These deposits can occasionally unexpectedly separate and create a clot that results in a heart attack and various heart diseases.
Causes
High cholesterol Foods, Obesity, Poor lifestyle/ Inactive, smoking, Genetics, familial hypercholesterolemia, other health conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, may also increase your risk of developing high cholesterol and related complications.
Diagnosis
Blood tests must be done to check High blood cholesterol levels. You should have complete Lipid Profile which includes LDL, HDL and serum triglycerides
Treatment
- Statins- to lower blood cholesterol i.e. atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- Bile-acid-binding resins
- Fibrates
- Niacin
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
Prevention
- Dietary alteration (consumption of proteins and vegetables and Avoidance of high cholesterol foods such as red meat etc)
- Exercise Regularly
- Quit smoking
By Dr. Mohsin
High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a condition that occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for the body. It is needed for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and the formation of cell membranes. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can build up in the walls of the arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can lead to the development of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of the arteries, while HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Symptoms
High cholesterol typically does not cause any symptoms. It is often diagnosed during routine blood tests. However, in some cases, high cholesterol can cause a condition called xanthomas, which are yellowish, fatty deposits that can appear on the skin around the eyes, on the elbows, or on the knees.
Causes
The main causes of high cholesterol include:
- Age and gender: Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age and are generally higher in men than in women.
- Unhealthy diet: Eating foods that are high in saturated and trans fats can increase cholesterol levels in the blood. These foods include fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and processed foods.
- Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity can lead to weight gain, which can increase cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage the walls of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Family history: If your family has a history of high cholesterol or heart disease, you may be at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and liver or kidney disease, can increase cholesterol levels.
Investigations
The most common way to diagnose high cholesterol is through a blood test called a lipid profile. This test measures the levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood). It is recommended that all adults have a lipid profile at least once every five years.
Treatment
The main goal of treating high cholesterol is to lower LDL cholesterol levels. This can be done through lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle changes include:
- Healthy diet: Eating a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Weight loss: Losing weight can help lower cholesterol levels, especially if a person is overweight or obese.
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can help improve cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Medications used to treat high cholesterol include:
- Statins: Statins are a class of drugs that are used to lower LDL cholesterol levels. They work by blocking the enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol.
- Bile acid sequestrants: These drugs work by binding to bile acids in the intestines, which reduces the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Ezetimibe: This drug works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.
- PCSK9 inhibitors: These drugs work by blocking a protein in the liver that prevents the removal of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Prevention
The best way to prevent high cholesterol is through lifestyle changes. This includes:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Quitting smoking.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Getting regular cholesterol screenings if you are at risk.
In conclusion, high cholesterol is a common medical condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. It is important to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition. By making lifestyle changes and working with your healthcare provider, you can manage high cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.