What is Cholesterol and Why do we Care?
Cholesterol is in every cell of the body and has vital functions when levels are normal. When levels exceed normal it becomes the silent killer affecting more Americans than any other disease.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is an oil-based, waxy substance. It does not mix with blood (which is water-based) and therefore cannot travel in blood on its own. It travels around the body in lipoproteins (made form the liver) which have two types.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Unhealthy or “bad” cholesterol.
- It carries cholesterol to your arteries causing a build-up of plaque. Plaque then narrows your arteries, limiting blood flow and raising your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Healthy or “good” cholesterol.
- It helps return LDL cholesterol to your liver so your body can remove it. This helps prevent plaque formation.
What about Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are different from cholesterol and are a source of energy for the body. Excess calories are converted to triglycerides. Unfortunately, they are stored in your fat cells and they use lipoproteins to travel into the blood stream. These can also lead to heart disease and stroke.
Causes of High Cholesterol
A diet high in fat and calories is a major cause. Also, genetics and other health conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Liver and kidney disease
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Pregnancy and other hormone related conditions
- Hypothyroidism
- Certain drugs
- Genetics, such as Familiar Hypercholesterolemia
What are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute classifies cholesterol levels (mg/dL) as follows:
Total cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
Acceptable
lower than 170
higher than 45
lower than 110
Borderline
170–199
40–45
110–129
High
200 or higher
n/a
higher than 130
Low
n/a
lower than 40
n/a
This guide, along with your health, lifestyle and family history guides your health care provider on how to manage your cholesterol levels.
High Cholesterol Symptoms
In most cases there are no symptoms to high cholesterol. It is considered a “silent” problem and is often discovered once a complication, such as a heart attack or stroke has occurred. For this reason, routine cholesterol screenings are advised age 20 or above. Sooner depending on your personal and family risk factors.
Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
By reducing risk factors, you lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Main risk factors for high cholesterol include:
- Overweight or obesity
- Eating an unhealthy diet
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Have other health conditions that worsen it
- Having a family history of high cholesterol
Complications of Untreated High Cholesterol
If left untreated, cholesterol causes plaque build-up in the arteries, leading to heart disease. Also known as atherosclerosis. The risk is high after 10 years of high cholesterol according to the National Institute of Health. This limits blood flow in your arteries causing serious and deadly complications including:
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Blood Clots
- High Blood Pressure
- Chest pain or Angina
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Chronic Kidney disease
- Gallstones
- Death
Diet Improvements to Lower Cholesterol
Diet change has been shown to lower cholesterol in many and needs to be a lifelong change in order for your risk of heart disease to stay lower. Eating more plant-based and choosing lean proteins helps. Also opting for baked, steamed or grilled vs frying and junk food. Consider looking into the following:
- Dash Diet for Weight Loss
- Mediterranean Diet
- Plant- Based/Low Dairy
- National Institute of Health Diet Recommendations
Medications to Treat High Cholesterol
Although diet and lifestyle changes are best to start with, some people require medication to lower their cholesterol. Statins are the most common class of medications used to treat high cholesterol. They help block the liver from producing more cholesterol therefore lowering the circulating amount in your blood stream.
Complications form medication therapy are very low and your health care provider can help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Take Away
Untreated high cholesterol is a “silent” health issue leading to heart disease and other detrimental health issues. Screening early on and keeping you risk factors low are key to preventing atherosclerosis and reducing your risk of health complications and premature death. Getting annual physical exams are a great way to know where you’re at with your health and develop a health plan for just for you.
Sources:
National Institute of Health, Medical News Today, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Healthline.
Author Peggy Demetriou, FNP, APRN-BC Founder and CEO of Qvita Health and Wellness.