High cholesterol is a condition in which there is an excess cholesterol level in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver in the body, and it has many functions - building cells, producing hormones, and making vitamin D. Though cholesterol is essential, too much of it is detrimental to your health.
Types Of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol.- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Often called "bad" cholesterol, LDL can cause fatty buildup, or plaque, in your arteries. Over time, this buildup hardens and the risk of it narrowing the artery heightens, causing poor circulation. This is known as atherosclerosis, potentially causing problems such as heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Often referred to as the "good" cholesterol, HDL aids in the transfer of excess LDL cholesterol from the arteries to the liver for further processing. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol serve as protective factors because these reduce the risk of heart disease by removing cholesterol from the arteries. High cholesterol is often characterized by a high level of LDLs or a low level of HDL, thus upsetting the balance of the body and leading to serious cardiovascular diseases.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
Probably the worst thing about high cholesterol is that it typically does not have any noticeable symptoms early on. This is the reason why many call this a "silent" disease. However, once these have begun to accumulate, some possible physical signs and symptoms could be manifested. These usually occur long after damage has been inflicted on the cardiovascular system. These signs often develop due to complications caused by high cholesterol.Common Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort: If plaque narrows the coronary arteries, the heart will have less oxygen-rich blood. This can cause chest pain, known as angina, which often occurs after physical activity or during periods of stress.
- Inability to breathe freely shortness: This means because of blocked arteries, there might not be enough blood flowing, and it can even occur during slight physical exertion.
- Fatigue: Reduced oxygen delivery to the body, due to restricted blood flow from cholesterol buildup, can lead to feelings of tiredness, even during minimal physical activity.
- Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting: A person can also manifest this symptom due to high cholesterol since part of the manifestation of the said condition is discomfort in the stomach or indigestion, nausea, or even vomiting due to the stress placed on the heart.
- Leg or foot pain: If cholesterol buildup affects the arteries in the lower limbs, it can lead to peripheral artery disease, causing pain, cramping, or tenderness in the legs and feet.
Reasons For High Cholesterol
Mostly, high cholesterol does not present with any significant symptoms. However, the following are conditions and lifestyle risk factors:- Family history of coronary heart disease: There is a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol.
- Hypertension: The elevated pressure can cause damage to the walls of the arteries. Thus, cholesterol builds up there easily.
- Diabetes mellitus: The risk of high LDL level with low HDL level is increased in diabetics.
- Obesity: Excess body weight influences higher levels of LDL.
- Meanwhile, other risks may be worsened: hypertension or diabetes mellitus.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels. It also lowers the HDL levels. The plaque gets deposited there.
- Unhealthy diet: More saturated fats or trans fats or fast foods contain a lot of LDL cholesterol.
- Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise helps increase HDL cholesterol and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Being a passive person might make a person overweight and put up the level of cholesterol.
- Heavy alcohol consumption: Too much alcohol can cause an elevation of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus putting one at risk for heart disease.
- Some Medications: Diuretics, beta-blockers, and HIV medications are some of the drugs that can raise the cholesterol levels as an adverse side effect of such medications.
Complications Of High Cholesterol
If high cholesterol is not diagnosed, it can lead to serious health complications, including:- Coronary Artery Disease: The plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries limits blood flow to the heart and increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure.
- Stroke: Arteries in the brain or leading to the brain may be blocked, contributing to the potential occurrence of a stroke, which may cause permanent neurological damage or death.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: It is related to supplying arteries along the legs that causes pain, cramps, and sometimes subsequent complications in ulcers or infections.
- Atherosclerosis: This refers to the thickening of arteries based on the building of plaques through many body parts, which leads to reduced blood flow and increased severe complications.
Conclusion
A heart-healthy diet, complemented by regular exercise, abstinence from smoking, and minimizing alcohol consumption, are typical signs of proper care for one's heart. If you happen to belong to one or more of the risk groups already qualified for having high cholesterol, regular checkups, and screenings would be important in monitoring and managing your cholesterol levels, possibly preventing the risk of some cardiovascular complications from worsening early on. Book an appointment at Asian Heart Institute to discuss cholesterol management and heart health with a specialist.FAQ's
Q1: What is high cholesterol?A: High cholesterol is a condition where there is an excess of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your liver produces. Though it is essential for the body, too much of it can be detrimental to your health.
Q2: Can high cholesterol cause other health problems besides heart disease?
A: Yes, high cholesterol can also lead to other health problems, such as:
- Stroke: When plaque builds up in the arteries leading to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
- Peripheral artery disease: This condition occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries in the legs, reducing blood flow and causing pain, cramping, or numbness.
Q3: How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
A: The frequency of cholesterol checks depends on your risk factors. If you have no risk factors for high cholesterol, you should get your cholesterol checked every 3-5 years. If you have risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease or diabetes, you may need more frequent checks.
Q4: Can I reverse high cholesterol?
A: While you may not be able to completely reverse high cholesterol, making lifestyle changes can help you lower your LDL cholesterol levels and improve your overall health. These changes may include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
Q5:When should I see a doctor about high cholesterol?
A: If you have any risk factors for high cholesterol or are concerned about your health, it's important to see your doctor for a checkup. They can perform a blood test to check your cholesterol levels and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.
