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Cholesterol is vital for cell membranes, vitamin D synthesis, hormone production, and aiding digestion. While the body produces necessary cholesterol, it also comes from food, particularly animal products. However, high levels of Low-density lipoprotein - LDL cholesterol (called bad cholesterol) can cause arterial plaque buildup, risking heart disease and stroke. HDL (High-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or good cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, protecting against these diseases. Hence, managing cholesterol is crucial for cardiovascular health.
Types of Cholesterol and How They Work in Your Body
The following types of cholesterol are present in the human body:
-
Low-Density Lipoproteins
High levels of LDLs ("bad" cholesterol) in the bloodstream can cause plaque deposits on the walls of your arteries in a process known as atherosclerosis, leading to heart disease.
Optimal level: below 100 mg/dL.
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High-Density Lipoproteins
HDLs ("good" cholesterol) remove excess cholesterol from the arteries and take it to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body, thereby reducing heart disease risk.
Optimal levels: 60 mg/dL or higher; low levels increase cardiovascular risk.
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Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat found in our body which is measured alongside cholesterol. Triglycerides along with high LDL or low HDL increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Normal level: less than 150 mg/dL.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
In most cases, high cholesterol does not present noticeable symptoms. Individuals often discover their elevated cholesterol levels during routine blood tests.
However, some people with a family history of high cholesterol may experience symptoms such as:
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Fatty bumps on the skin, mainly on the elbows, joints, hands, feet, or buttocks.
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Greyish-white rings around the corneas of the eyes (called xanthomas & xanthelasma).
These symptoms typically occur in those with a family history of high cholesterol.
What Causes High Cholesterol Levels?
Understanding high cholesterol and its multifaceted causes is key for effective management to lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Consult a top cardiology hospital if you want to know more about what causes high cholesterol.
When to Test and What Are the Ranges?
Regular cholesterol testing, advised every 4 to 6 years from age 20, is key for cardiovascular health. More frequent testing is needed for those with a family history of heart disease or high LDL cholesterol levels (exceeding 190 mg/dL).
Cholesterol Targets |
Desirable |
Harmful |
Note |
|
Total Blood Cholesterol |
Below 200mg/dL. |
Above 239mg/dL. |
Total cholesterol levels don’t reflect directly into cardiovascular events as much as LDL levels |
|
HDL Cholesterol |
60mg/dL or higher |
Harmful: Less than 40mg/dL for males and under 50mg/dL for females
|
|
|
LDL Cholesterol |
Less than 100mg/dL. |
Borderline High: 100 to 159mg/dL. Danger Zone: Above 159 mg/dL. |
LDL levels higher than 190 should raise the suspicion of familial disease and medications must be initiated.
|
|
Triglycerides |
Below 150mg/dL |
Moderately High: 200-300mg/dL. |
Dangerously high levels of Triglycerides increase the risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease. |
How to Lower Cholesterol Levels Without Medication?
Lowering cholesterol levels without medication involves a combination of dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Heart-Healthy Eating
Adopt a diet that limits saturated and trans fats. Consider following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) or Mediterranean diet. The DASH diet focuses on having more vegetables, fruits, fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains while limiting salt intake, added sugar, and saturated fat. The Mediterranean diet includes fruits, and vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, spinach, and whole grains.
2. Physical Activity
Aim for 150 minutes of regular physical activity that includes exercises like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling.
3. Weight Management
Maintain a BMI (body mass index) less than 24kg/m2 or lose 5-7 per cent of baseline body weight (excess fat around the waist).
4. Lifestyle Changes
Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol intake to improve HDL levels.
5. Stress Management
Practice yoga or meditation and ensure 7-9 hours of good night’s sleep every day for better cholesterol management.
When to Start Medications?
The decision to start cholesterol-lowering medications should be based on your risk of cardiovascular disease over 10 years. Elevated risk may occur in those with a history of cardiovascular disease and in adults aged 40–75 with diabetes.
An expert cardiologist in Bangalore will administer the correct medications after a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Medication is recommended in cases:
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Your LDL is 190 mg/dL or higher or your total cholesterol remains high.
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You have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or diabetes and may require medication.
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You have a strong family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
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Your lifestyle modifications fail to lower cholesterol.
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Other risk factors are present like hypertension, smoking, age, and gender.
Understanding and managing high cholesterol is pivotal for heart health. Regular monitoring, a heart-healthy lifestyle, and taking proactive steps towards reducing heart disease and stroke risks.
Consult with an expert cardiologist at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore, for advice and medications to keep your cholesterol under check.
FAQs
1. What can be done to minimize my cholesterol level?
A few tips to maintain your cholesterol level include eating a well-balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables, grains, and less saturated fats as well as trans-fat, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
2. What if lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient to lower my cholesterol?
Your doctor will recommend medication if lifestyle changes fail to decrease your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol can be controlled by using various types of drugs.
3. How frequently should I go for a cholesterol check?
An adult will need a check on their cholesterol once every four to six years, beginning from the age of 20. High-risk people should undergo testing more frequently.
