Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in blood which is needed by the body to build healthy cells.
This substance isn’t always bad. Actually, the body needs some levels of it to function. To add on, cholesterol becomes dangerous when concentrations in the blood get too high.
At this point, it becomes a silent danger which puts people at risks of heart attack.
High levels of cholesterol is increasingly common with age and can lead to strokes and other health problems
High cholesterol symptoms
A person with high cholesterol levels often has no signs or symptoms, but routine screening and regular blood tests can help detect high levels.
What are the risk factors?
Factors that can increase ones risk of high cholesterol include:
• Poor diet. Eating saturated fat, found in animal products, and trans fats, found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers can raise an individual’s cholesterol level.
Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will also increase that.
• Obesity. Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts one at risk of high cholesterol.
• In addition, lack of exercise.
• Smoking. Cigarette smoking damages the walls of the blood vessels, making them more prone to accumulate fatty deposits. Smoking might also lower one’s level of “good,” cholesterol.
• Furthermore, age is another factor.
• Diabetes. High blood sugar contributes to higher levels of a dangerous cholesterol called very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lower HDL cholesterol.
High blood sugar also damages the lining of the arteries.
In adults, total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered healthy.
• Also, a reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high.
• A reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.
Complications
High cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis). These deposits (plaques) can reduce blood flow through the arteries, which can cause complications, such as:
• Chest pain.
• Heart attack.
• Stroke.
How is it prevented?
To help prevent high cholesterol, one can:
• Eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• As well as, limit the amount of animal fats and use good fats in moderation
• Lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight
• Also, quit smoking
• Exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
• manage stress
REFERENCE
Mayo Clinic. High cholesterol. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.com
