Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver produces to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you consume. This includes eggs, meats, and dairy. Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can be bad for your health. There is "good" (HDL) cholesterol and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol
Good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It eliminates cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad" cholesterol.
If your total cholesterol level is high due to a high LDL level, you may be at greater risk of heart disease or stroke. However, if your total cholesterol level is high just because of a high HDL level, you're probably not at greater risk.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you consume more calories than your body can use, it converts the additional calories into triglycerides.
Altering your lifestyle (diet and exercise) can improve your cholesterol levels, decrease LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL.
Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease.
Often, there are no specific symptoms of high cholesterol. You can have high cholesterol and not know it.
If you have high cholesterol, your body might store the extra cholesterol in your arteries. These are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. A buildup of cholesterol in your arteries is known as plaque. Over time, plaque can become hard and make your arteries narrow. Large deposits of plaque can totally block an artery. Cholesterol plaques can also break apart, resulting in formation of a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood.
A blocked artery to the heart can trigger a heart attack. A blocked artery to your brain can trigger a stroke.
Many people do not realize that they have high cholesterol until they suffer one of these life-threatening events. Some individuals find out through regular check-ups that include blood tests.
Your liver makes cholesterol, but you also get cholesterol from food. Consuming too many foods that are high in fat can raise your cholesterol level.
Being overweight and inactive also causes high cholesterol. If you are overweight, you most likely have a higher level of triglycerides. If you do not exercise and are not active in general, it can lower your HDL (good cholesterol).
Your family history also affects your cholesterol level. Research has shown that high cholesterol has a tendency to run in families. If you have an immediate family member that has it, you can have it, also.
Smoking also causes high cholesterol. It lowers your HDL (good cholesterol).
You can't tell if you have high cholesterol without having it checked. A simple blood test will show your cholesterol level.
Men 35 years of age and older and women 45 years of age and older should have their cholesterol checked. Men and women 20 years of age and older who have risk factors for heart disease should have their cholesterol checked. Teenagers may need to be checked if they are taking certain medicines or have a strong family history of high cholesterol. Ask your doctor how frequently you should have your cholesterol checked.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
If you have high cholesterol, you might have to make some lifestyle adjustments. If you smoke, quit. Exercise on a regular basis. If you're overweight, losing just 5 to 10 pounds can improve your cholesterol levels and your risk for heart disease. Be sure to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may prescribe medicine and lifestyle changes.
