1090 Top 11 Questions About High Cholesterol, Answered


When you suspect you have high Cholesterol, the best way to know about it is by undergoing a blood test. It will help one to know for certain whether their Cholesterol level is high or normal.

What are considered high Cholesterol levels?

An individual is considered to have high cholesterol or borderline high Cholesterol if the results of the blood test show −

  • Bad or LDL Cholesterol is more than 100 mg/dL

  • Good or HDL Cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL

  • The Triglycerides is more than 150 mg/dL

  • Total Cholesterol levels exceeds 200 mg/dL

So, what do these figures indicate for your health?

Although you won't notice having high cholesterol daily, it does indicate that you may already be suffering from heart disease, which is the number one killer of both men and women in the world.

Wish to learn more? Here are the responses to 11 common queries about high cholesterol.

What is the effect of High Cholesterol on your Body?

High cholesterol levels can cause the arteries to harden and constrict. A buildup of plaque, which is made up of calcium, fibrin (a protein that aids in blood clotting), cholesterol, lipids, and waste products from your cells, can lessen or block blood flow through the arteries. Thus, cholesterol is important. A stroke or heart attack can result from insufficient blood supply to the brain or heart, respectively.

Why is the Cholesterol Level High?

For many people, lifestyle impacts how the illness develops. It develops due to a mix of diet, level of activity, and genetic capacity. Smoking and being overweight can both raise your risk of acquiring high cholesterol.

If I eat well, what Causes High Cholesterol? Is it due to genes?

Your Genes might play a bigger role in your cholesterol levels than your lifestyle if you maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a fatal genetic condition that raises cholesterol is to be blamed.

The only way to diagnose FH is through a high cholesterol screening. Because of this, between the ages of 9 and 11, every child should undergo a cholesterol screening.

Your LDL is already regarded as high if it is greater than 100. Doctors say that if it is more than 190, you might have FH. A parent's FH increases the likelihood that their child will also have it. It is crucial to determine whether you have FH and to receive treatment if you do because having FH increases your risk of heart disease by 20 times compared to persons who don't have inherited high cholesterol.

How Can I Naturally Reduce My Cholesterol?

For many people, making little changes to daily routines can significantly reduce cholesterol without the need for medication. Different lifestyle modifications may be done, and they fall under undernutrition and exercise.

It's best to start by eating meals that are good for your heart. The consumption of red meat and full-fat dairy products, both of which contain saturated fats that increase cholesterol, must be reduced to achieve this. Concentrate on consuming lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and shellfish and increasing your intake of soluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, and oats. A regular schedule of aerobic exercise can also help decrease cholesterol.

Is High Cholesterol Causing My Fatigue?

No, having high cholesterol often doesn't make you tired, but it can trigger cardiac conditions like coronary artery disease that do. With this heart condition, extra LDL deposits as plaque narrow and stiffen the small arteries of your heart. Because of the decreased blood flow, you may experience fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain.

Some adverse effects of taking a statin are weariness, memory loss, forgetfulness, and disorientation. But they are uncommon. Any symptoms that develop after consuming statins should be discussed with your doctor.

Can a Stroke Be Caused by High Cholesterol?

Having high cholesterol puts you at risk for a stroke because of the extra cholesterol that is circulating in your blood.

LDL builds up in your arteries, which slows or obstructs the flow of blood to your body, especially your brain, which is rich in oxygen and nutrients. Blood clots may develop a blockage when arteries become more constricted and rigid, and if this blockage affects the brain, it may result in a stroke.

Is High Cholesterol Bad for Me?

No. Most people don't even notice any symptoms. However, coronary artery disease, which can cause angina, chest discomfort, arrhythmia, and shortness of breath that can deplete your energy, can happen when it leads to plaque development in larger arteries in your heart.

The most prevalent form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, yet many people are unaware they have it until they have a heart attack. For others, having a heart attack is the first indication of high cholesterol levels.

You can take measures to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke if your numbers are too high. Use prescription drugs as directed if your doctor recommends them in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise.

Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Caused by High Cholesterol?

As blood flow is crucial for an erection, high cholesterol on its own is not thought to induce erectile dysfunction (ED), but plaque-clogged arteries may. The body's capacity to create the hormone testosterone and nitric oxide, which aids in relaxing the penile tissue, may also be impacted by high cholesterol levels. These two elements may also result in ED.

The good news is that taking statins (drugs used to treat high cholesterol), is linked to a considerable improvement in ED in older men who also have ED and high cholesterol.

Can Stress Affect Cholesterol Levels?

Stress may affect cholesterol levels even though it is not the main cause of elevated cholesterol. Stress from the job or interpersonal conflict was a risk factor for elevated cholesterol in those who experienced it. Also, you might be less inclined to practice heart-healthy lifestyle habits like eating a balanced diet and exercising when you're under stress and time constraints. The regular physical activity showed a substantial cholesterol-lowering impact.

When Should Medication Be Used to Treat High Cholesterol?

You'll need to take one or more cholesterol-lowering medications in addition to watching your food and being active if you've had a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or have been told you have inherited high cholesterol. The effectiveness of statins in reducing LDL cholesterol is outstanding. If you fall into one of these high-risk categories, statins lower your risk of getting sick and dying.

Consult your doctor about your test results if you know your Cholesterol is high.

Can Someone with High Cholesterol Live Long?

Due to the risk of heart attack and stroke, untreated or undertreated high cholesterol is linked to a shorter life expectancy. But, if you lead a heart-healthy lifestyle and take medicine as needed, you can live long.

Conclusion

Controlling Cholesterol levels and getting checked regularly are great ways of keeping your health in good condition and preventing life-threatening diseases.

Updated on: 04-Apr-2023

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