Cholesterol: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

 

Cholesterol Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the body and in certain foods. It is an important part of the body's cell membranes and is used to produce hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, which help to digest fats. However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of the arteries and form plaque, which can narrow or block the arteries. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it to the liver for removal from the body.

High cholesterol can be caused by a variety of factors, including a diet high in saturated and trans fats, obesity, a lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism. It can also be inherited. To help reduce the risk of high cholesterol and related health problems, it is important to eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, get regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight. Medications such as statins may also be used to lower cholesterol levels.

 

Cholesterol Symptoms

In most cases, high cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to have a blood test to measure your cholesterol levels. The test, which is called a lipid panel or lipid profile, measures the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood.

However, high cholesterol can increase the risk of developing certain health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. These conditions can cause symptoms such as:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or numbness in the legs or feet when walking (intermittent claudication)
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia)
• Vision problems

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

It's also worth noting that high cholesterol can be treated and controlled through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity, and/or through the use of medications.

 

Cholesterol Risks

High levels of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, can increase the risk of developing several serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease: High cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries and form plaque, which can narrow or block the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Stroke: Plaque can also build up in the arteries of the brain and increase the risk of stroke.
• Peripheral artery disease: Plaque can build up in the arteries of the legs and reduce blood flow to the legs and feet, causing pain and discomfort.
• Atherosclerosis: This is the build-up of plaque in the arteries that can lead to the development of other health problems, such as heart attack and stroke.

It's important to note that high cholesterol can be treated and controlled through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity, and/or through the use of medications. By keeping cholesterol levels in check, you can reduce your risk of developing these serious health problems.

 

Cholesterol Diagnosis

The only way to diagnose high cholesterol is to have a blood test to measure your cholesterol levels. This test, called a lipid panel or lipid profile, measures the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood.

Your doctor will typically recommend a lipid panel if you are at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol, such as if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight or obese, or have diabetes or high blood pressure. You may also be recommended to have a lipid panel if you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol and are being treated with medications or lifestyle changes to manage your cholesterol levels.

The lipid panel is usually done after an overnight fast, so you will need to abstain from eating or drinking anything except for water for at least 9-12 hours before the test. The test is typically done in a laboratory or a doctor's office, and the results are usually available within a few days.

Your doctor will use the results of the lipid panel to determine your risk of developing heart disease and other health problems and to determine the best course of treatment for you. If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity, or may prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol levels.

 

Cholesterol Treatment

There are several treatment options available for high cholesterol, including lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you based on your age, overall health, and the severity of your high cholesterol.

Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems. These changes may include:

• Eating a healthy diet: A diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Getting regular physical activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing weight, if you are overweight or obese, can help lower cholesterol levels.

Medications: If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol levels. These medications include:

• Statins: These medications block the production of cholesterol in the liver and help to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications bind to bile acids in the digestive system and prevent them from being reabsorbed into the body. This can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
• Nicotinic acid: This medication can lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These medications block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These medications help to lower LDL cholesterol levels by inhibiting the action of a protein called PCSK9, which helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.

It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment and to take your medications as directed. Regular follow-up with your doctor is also important to monitor your cholesterol levels and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

 

Cholesterol Managing

There are several ways to manage high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems:

1. Follow a healthy diet: A diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower cholesterol levels. Choose foods that are rich in fiber, such as oatmeal, beans, and vegetables, and limit foods that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat, cheese, and full-fat dairy products.
2. Get regular physical activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, can help lower cholesterol levels.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight, if you are overweight or obese, can help lower cholesterol levels.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the lining of your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
5. Take your medications as directed: If you are taking medications to lower your cholesterol levels, it is important to take them as directed and to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your cholesterol levels and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
6. Keep track of your cholesterol levels: Regular blood tests can help you and your doctor track your cholesterol levels and determine if your treatment plan is working.

By following these steps and working closely with your healthcare team, you can manage your high cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems.