Concern over high cholesterol has been with us for years. People talk about it all the time. But what is high cholesterol? What are the risk factors that may lead to developing high cholesterol? Could you recognize the symptoms of high cholesterol? No, probably not because there aren’t any. High cholesterol is a silent killer.
What Is Cholesterol?
Your body manufactures all the cholesterol you need. It is a fat-like, almost waxy substance that exists in every cell of our bodies. Its purpose is to make hormones, Vitamin D and other substances used in digestion. It comes in two types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). These are carried in the blood in small compounds made of fat on the inside and proteins on the outside. Both are required for good health but within normal levels.
What Are the Risks of High Cholesterol?
When LDL levels become high, you are at an increased risk for developing heart disease. As cholesterol levels rise in the bloodstream, they form plaque on the walls of the arteries causing them to become narrow. This atherosclerosis is what is commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries. When the arteries leading to the heart become clogged with plaque, the flow of blood to the heart can be slowed or even stopped. This is known as coronary artery disease or CAD. Large build-ups of plaque can lead to angina or chest pains. If the outer skin of an area of plaque bursts, the cholesterol and fat inside are released into the blood stream. Your blood may clot as a result, which in turn can cause angina or a heart attack.
What Are the Signs of High Cholesterol?
The dangerous aspect of having high cholesterol is there are no symptoms. High cholesterol builds up silently over time and without medical testing, chances are you won’t know until it’s too late.
What are the Risk Factors for Developing High Cholesterol?
Some things that contribute to the development of high cholesterol are beyond your control such as heredity, age and sex. High blood cholesterol can run in families. Younger women start out with lower LDL than men, other factors aside, but by the time both pass the age of 55, women tend to have higher LDL. Other factors that contribute to high cholesterol are the foods you eat, your weight and your activity level. Foods high in fat or which contain cholesterol can raise your LDL. Saturated fat can increase your LDL more than any other food in your diet. Being overweight can increase your LDL too. Coupled with a lack of activity, which can lead to being overweight and you get the picture.
What Can I Do About High Cholesterol?
Adults over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years or as recommended by your doctor. If high cholesterol is detected there are currently two options. The first involves making lifestyle changes that help lower the cholesterol level. These changes include making dietary changes, increasing physical activity and managing your weight. The second option, which may be used in conjunction with the first option, is cholesterol-lowering medication. There are five types most frequently used:
• Statins are very effective in lowering LDL and are safe for most people. Simvastatin sold under the brand name Zocor and atorvastatin sold as Lipitor are statins.
• Bile Acid Sequestrants are seldom prescribed alone but help when combined with other cholesterol-lowering medication
• Nicotinic Acid works to lower both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol
• Fibrates primarily used to lower triglycerides
• Ezetimibe lowers LDL cholesterol by working with the intestine to block the absorption of cholesterol
Evening Primrose oil taken orally is reputed to help lower cholesterol but you should confer with your doctor before taking and then follow package directions.
High cholesterol can ultimately kill you. Some factors leading to its development may be unavoidable for you. Tackle the things you can. Consult with your doctor. If medication is recommended, take it as prescribed.
Source: National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov)
