What is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs it to build healthy cells, but high levels can form fatty deposits (plaque) in your blood vessels.
The Risk: These deposits grow, making it difficult for blood to flow. If a deposit breaks suddenly, it forms a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs it to build healthy cells, but high levels can form fatty deposits (plaque) in your blood vessels.
The Risk: These deposits grow, making it difficult for blood to flow. If a deposit breaks suddenly, it forms a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.
⚠️ THE SILENT KILLER
High cholesterol has NO symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect it. You could feel perfectly healthy while your arteries are slowly clogging.
High cholesterol has NO symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect it. You could feel perfectly healthy while your arteries are slowly clogging.
Understanding Your Numbers
Your lipid panel test will show you different types of fats. Here is what they mean:
| Type | Goal Level | Function |
|---|---|---|
| LDL ("Bad") | < 100 mg/dL | Builds up in the arteries. You want this LOW. |
| HDL ("Good") | > 60 mg/dL | Carries cholesterol away from arteries. You want this HIGH. |
| Triglycerides | < 150 mg/dL | A type of fat used for energy. High levels increase heart risk. |
| Total | < 200 mg/dL | The overall count. |
Causes & Risk Factors
- Poor Diet: Eating saturated fats (red meat, full-fat dairy) and trans fats (processed cookies/crackers).
- Lack of Exercise: Being sedentary lowers your "good" HDL cholesterol.
- Smoking: Damages blood vessel walls, making them prone to accumulating fatty deposits.
- Genetics: Familial Hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition where the body cannot remove LDL efficiently.
Treatment: Lifestyle First
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense. If these fail, medication is added.
1. Heart-Healthy Diet
- Eliminate Trans Fats: Avoid anything with "partially hydrogenated oil" on the label.
- Eat More Omega-3s: Salmon, mackerel, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
- Increase Soluble Fiber: Oatmeal, kidney beans, apples, and pears help reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.
2. Medications
If lifestyle isn't enough, doctors prescribe drugs to lower levels quickly:
- Statins (Lipitor, Crestor): The most common treatment. They block the substance your liver needs to make cholesterol.
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors (Zetia): Limit the cholesterol absorbed from food.
- PCSK9 Inhibitors: A newer class of injectable drugs for people with genetically high cholesterol.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.
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