High Cholesterol: What is it?
Cholesterol is a natural, waxy, fat-like substance produced by the body. It is essential for synthesizing certain hormones, vitamin D, and digestive substances in the body. Besides natural production, cholesterol can be acquired by eating certain foods such as egg yolk, meat, and cheese.
So, what is high cholesterol? It is an excessive amount of fat deposited in the blood. High cholesterol, alternatively, is also known as hyperlipidemia. It mainly results from unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, or genetics. One of the major concerns directly linked to high cholesterol levels in the body is the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Revival Research Institute excels in clinical research and works to explore novel therapeutics for individuals with cardiovascular conditions in cardiology clinical trials. Participate to see for yourself!
Read on to comprehend the comparative analysis between normal and high cholesterol, their evident symptoms, and more.
Cholesterol: What are Normal Levels?
Recommended normal cholesterol levels can vary according to age, individual risk factors, and specific guidelines from health organizations. Generally, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. Here are the typical cholesterol level ranges:
Total Cholesterol:
- Desirable: Below 200 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL
- High: 240 mg/dL and above
HDL:
- Low (increased risk): Below 40 mg/dL (for men) or below 50 mg/dL (for women)
- High (decreased risk): 60 mg/dL and above
LDL:
- Optimal: Below 100 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
- High: 160-189 mg/dL
Role Of HDL & LDL:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the good and bad types of cholesterol, respectively. The latter form of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, plays a primary role in transporting cholesterol to the liver and peripheral cells. The downside is that it accumulates in the walls of the arteries, hardening and narrowing them. HDL, on the other hand, carries abundant cholesterol levels from different parts of the body to the liver.
It’s important to note that these values emanate from general guidelines. Individualized recommendations might differ based on factors such as
- Age
- Sex
- Family history
- Other health conditions
Causes of High Cholesterol:
A combination of factors contributes to high cholesterol levels. The primary contributing factors are:
- From the consumption of foods that are high in saturated and trans fats. Certain foods enriched with such fats are red meat, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and many processed snacks.
- A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to high LDL cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
- Individuals at risk of familial hypercholesterolemia
- Unhealthy weight gain or obesity can disrupt cholesterol levels in the body and contribute to endocrine changes that can raise cholesterol levels.
- Unhealthy habits such as smoking damage blood vessels and lower HDL cholesterol levels. It also promotes plaque buildup in the arteries, raising the risk of heart disease.
- Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Men typically have higher cholesterol levels than premenopausal women. However, after menopause, women’s LDL cholesterol levels tend to rise.
- Certain conditions, like chronic kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.
- Medications, such as corticosteroids, diuretics, and certain immune-suppressing drugs, can also impact cholesterol levels.
Signs of High Cholesterol on Face:
Predominant signs of high cholesterol on the fxace are often overlooked and considered normal. Some of the common ones are:
- Xanthelasmas
- Corneal Acrus
However, it’s important to remember that xanthelasma alone is not a reliable or definitive sign of high cholesterol. Many other factors can contribute to its development, but not everyone with high cholesterol develops xanthelasma.
Besides cholesterol signs on the face, others signs of high cholesterol include:
- Tendon xanthoma
- Eruptive Xanthoma
The 3 C’s to manage Cholesterol are:
- Check: The key to risk management is keeping track of your cholesterol levels.
- Change: Improve your diet and lifestyle.
- Control: Manage and maintain cholesterol levels according to your doctor’s recommendations.
Understanding cholesterol’s dual role underscores the significance of managing it effectively for overall health and wellness.
Pharmacological Agents For Lowering High Cholesterol Levels:
Several medications are available to treat high cholesterol levels, generally in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management. The decision to use medication depends on individual risk factors and cholesterol levels. The commonly used medications to treat high cholesterol include:
- Statins: These are the most commonly prescribed medications for high cholesterol. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. Examples include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin.
- Ezetimibe: This medication decreases the absorption of cholesterol from the diet. It can be used alone or in combination with a statin.
- PCSK9 Inhibitors: This drug helps the liver remove LDL cholesterol from the blood and is usually prescribed to individuals with very high cholesterol levels or those who don’t respond well to other treatments.
- Bile Acid Sequestrants: These medications bind to bile acids in the intestines, leading to increased cholesterol excretion. Examples include cholestyramine and colesevelam.
- Fibrates: These drugs help lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol levels. Fenofibrate and gemfibrozil are common examples.
- Niacin (Nicotinic Acid): Niacin helps lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol. It is often used as a combination drug, but its use has declined due to potential side effects.
Summary:
In summary, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for the proper functioning of the body. It acts as a precursor for hormones like estrogen and testosterone, the key hormones for reproductive health. Maintaining a healthy balance is vital, as excessive cholesterol can lead to artery blockages, elevating cardiovascular risk. A simple blood test can measure your cholesterol levels and determine if they are within a healthy range. If you suspect you have high cholesterol, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for proper testing and diagnosis.
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