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The post What causes high cholesterol? Causes, Symptoms, Diet, Levels and Ranges, Treatment appeared first on .
]]>Cholesterol’s waxy consistency in blood makes it risky for health, especially heart health when found at higher levels. Cholesterol is needed to build healthy cells.
Cholesterol is not always bad but it is needed by our body. A normal level of cholesterol is essential stuff our body needs for day-to-day working. People with high levels of cholesterol in the blood are in silent danger as it puts them at risk of a heart attack.
Cholesterol is an essential substance found in every cell of the body. It has a major role to play in digesting food, producing hormones and producing vitamin D. Cholesterol is produced by our body and is also present in our food. Cholesterol is a waxy oil-based substance and is fat-like in appearance. It does not mix with water and hence does not dissolve in the blood. Along with blood, it travels around the body along with blood in lipoproteins. There are 2 types of lipoprotein cholesterol carriers –
Low-density lipoprotein also known as LDL Cholesterol is considered unhealthy or bad cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein also known as HDL Cholesterol is considered healthily or good cholesterol.
Being part of the structure of cell walls
Producing digestive bile acids in the intestine
Helping the body in the production of Vitamin D
Helping the body produce certain hormones
High cholesterol level in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. It may even cause heart attacks. As the cholesterol builds up, the arteries narrow. This condition is known as atherosclerosis where blood flow is restricted because of plaques. The major causes of high cholesterol are
Obesity – Excess weight can lead to higher LDL levels in the blood
Genetic factors – Inheriting familial hypercholesterolemia may cause very high LDL levels
Diabetes
liver or kidney disease
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
pregnancy
increased levels of female hormones
underactive thyroid gland
few drugs like progestins, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol
Eat a healthy low-fat diet. To manage cholesterol intake of fat should be restricted. Also, reduce food consumption that contains –
Cholesterol is present in animal foods, meat, and cheese
Saturated fat from meats, chocolate, dairy products, baked goods, processed foods and deep-fried
Trans fats are present in fried and processed foods.
Usually, a person with high cholesterol levels does not show any symptoms. Regular screening through blood tests is the only way to detect high cholesterol. When not monitored, the high cholesterol level is not known and the person may have a heart attack without warning. With regular tests, risk can be mitigated. Lifestyle changes will help manage cholesterol levels.
Having the below food as a part of a balanced diet will help keep cholesterol in check –
oats
barley and whole grains
beans
eggplant and okra
nuts
vegetable oil like canola, sunflower, olive
fruits like apples, grapes, strawberries and citrus
soy and soy-based foods
fatty fish mainly salmon, tuna, and sardines
foods rich in fibre
red meat
full-fat dairy
margarine
hydrogenated oils
baked goods
In adults, total cholesterol levels
Below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is healthy
Between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high
Above 240 mg/dL is considered high
LDL cholesterol levels
less than 100 mg/dL is healthy
between 100 – 129 mg/dL is acceptable for people with no health problems
between 130 – 159 mg/dL is borderline high
between 160 – 189 mg/dL is high
Above 190 mg/dL is very high
HDL cholesterol levels
Above 60 mg/dL is healthy
Below 40 mg/dL – a major risk factor for heart disease
Between 41 mg/dL – 59 mg/dL is borderline low
To reduce cholesterol levels make four major lifestyle changes
eat a heart-healthy diet – low fat and high fibre
regular exercise, physical activity
avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
reduce weight and maintain it
Lipid-lowering therapy is administered to a person with very high cholesterol levels. The drug depends on health conditions, risk factors and cholesterol levels. For people with a high risk of heart attack, statin drugs are prescribed. This is a cholesterol-lowering drug.
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