By Dr Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes
High cholesterol is a pretty common issue worldwide; however, because this condition can often present without any real symptoms, people may not even know they have it until they visit their doctor.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid. It’s a waxy, fat-like substance that our liver produces naturally. It’s vital for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and Vitamin D.
LDL cholesterol is any cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins. If the blood contains too much LDL cholesterol, this may be diagnosed as high cholesterol. High cholesterol may lead to many health issues without treatment, including heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms in the beginning. That’s why it’s important to get one’s cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis.
High cholesterol symptoms
In most cases, high cholesterol is a “silent” condition. It typically doesn’t cause any symptoms. Many people don’t even realise they have high cholesterol until they develop serious complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. That’s why routine cholesterol screening is important.
Causes of high cholesterol
Eating too many foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats may increase the risk of developing high cholesterol. Living with obesity can also increase one’s risk. Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to high cholesterol include inactivity and smoking.
Genetics can also affect the chances of developing high cholesterol. In rare cases, high cholesterol is caused by familial hypercholesterolemia. This genetic disorder prevents the body from removing LDL. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, most adults with this condition have total cholesterol levels above 300 milligrams per decilitre and LDL levels above 200 milligrams per decilitre.
Other health conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, may also increase the risk of developing high cholesterol and related complications.
LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol”
LDL cholesterol is often called “bad cholesterol”. It carries cholesterol to the arteries. If the levels of LDL cholesterol are too high, it can build up on the walls of the arteries.
This build-up is also known as cholesterol plaque. This plaque can narrow arteries, limit blood flow, and raise the risk of blood clots. If a blood clot blocks an artery in your heart or brain, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol”
HDL cholesterol is sometimes called “good cholesterol”. It helps return LDL cholesterol to the liver to be removed from our bodies. This helps prevent cholesterol plaque from building up in arteries.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of lipid. They’re different from cholesterol. While the body uses cholesterol to build cells and certain hormones, it uses triglycerides as a source of energy.
Excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Eating more calories than the body can use can result in triglyceride levels becoming too high. This can raise the risk of several health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
When to check for cholesterol
If you’re 20 years or older, the American Heart Association recommends getting cholesterol levels checked at least once every four to six years. If persons have a history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, then they should get their cholesterol levels tested more often.
Risk factors for high cholesterol
There is a higher risk of developing high cholesterol if persons are:
* living with obesity
* Consume a lot of saturated and trans fats, like those found in fast food
* Have limited physical activity
* Smoke tobacco products
* Have a family history of high cholesterol
* Have diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism
People of all ages, genders, and ethnicities can have high cholesterol.
Complications of high cholesterol
Without treatment, high cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in arteries. Over time, this plaque can narrow the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a serious condition. It can limit the flow of blood through the arteries. It also raises the risk of developing dangerous blood clots.
Atherosclerosis can result in many life-threatening complications, such as:
* Stroke
* Heart attack
* Angina, or chest pain
* High blood pressure
* Peripheral vascular disease
* Chronic kidney disease
High cholesterol can also create a bile imbalance, raising the risk of gallstones
How to lower cholesterol
Lifestyle changes can help to lower cholesterol
* Lowering cholesterol through diet
To help to achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, changes to the diet can be made.
For example:
* Limit the intake of foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats
* Choose lean sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, and legumes
* Eat a wide variety of high fibre foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
* Opt for baked, broiled, steamed, grilled, and roasted foods instead of fried foods
* Avoid fast food and sugary, pre-packaged options when possible
Foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, or trans fats include:
* Red meat, organ meats, egg yolks, and high-fat dairy products
* Processed foods made with cocoa butter or palm oil
* Deep-fried foods, such as potato chips, onion rings, and fried chicken
* Certain baked goods, such as some cookies and muffins
Eating fish and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower your LDL levels. For example, salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich sources of omega-3s. Walnuts, almonds, ground flaxseeds, and avocados also contain omega-3s.
In most cases, high cholesterol has no symptoms. But without treatment, high cholesterol can cause serious health issues. The good news is that it is manageable, and in many cases, avoidable.
To lower the risk of complications from high cholesterol, practise healthy lifestyle habits and follow the recommended treatment plan. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco products may help to achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They could also help lower the risk of complications from high cholesterol.
