High Cholesterol: Risks and Treatments

Cholesterol is a wax-like fatty substance found in the blood and body cells. The liver produces most of the cholesterol required by the body, with the rest coming from foods. There are two forms of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is the 'bad' kind, and too much of it can result in fatty deposit buildup in the arteries. The second form is HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is the healthy kind. There are many risks associated with high cholesterol, some of which are explained in this article.

Causes of high cholesterol

People who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol are at significant risk of developing coronary heart disease. Fatty deposit buildup in the arteries is part of the process of artery narrowing, which is called atherosclerosis. This is when plaques form and restrict blood flow through the arteries.

Once the plaque has narrowed your arteries, the blood flow gets limited throughout the body, not just the vital organs like the brain and the heart.

These plaques can also harden the arteries, and as a result, your heart will have to work harder. This will eventually lead to heart disease.

Furthermore, if your arteries are blocked by plaques, there is the risk of blood clots forming around the damaged parts of the plaque. This can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Bad cholesterol not only impacts the arteries, but it can also affect other parts of the body. If too much LDL cholesterol has formed in your arteries, it's not just the heart that gets damaged, but the plaques will also develop in the nerve cells of the brain, possibly leading to stroke, dementia, or memory loss.

The body needs cholesterol for bile production, since it helps absorb nutrients and break down foods. However, too much bile production in the body can turn into crystals and form painful gallstones.

What are the risk factors?

Being obese or overweight can lead to higher LDL levels. There is also a genetic factor that can contribute to this condition. People with a family history of hypercholesterolemia can have high LDL levels even if they have a healthy diet.

Other conditions that can lead to high LDL and triglyceride levels include:

Kidney disease

Liver disease
Diabetes
Under-active thyroid
Pregnancy-related hormonal issues
PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome
Increased levels of estrogen
Prescribed medications such as anabolic steroids, progestins, and corticosteroids can increase the levels of bad cholesterol and decrease HDL

Can high cholesterol be avoided?

While it depends on the family history of the individual, making healthy food choices and keeping active can help reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol.

By avoiding or cutting out trans fats, such as full-fat dairy, deli meat, pre-packaged foods, and red meat, and replacing them with healthier fats like avocados, nuts, whole grains, and fatty fish, you will be able to lower your LDL levels naturally.

Look for foods that are high in omega-3. These include walnuts, salmon, herring, and almonds.

Simple exercises like walking for half an hour a day will also be beneficial. Riding a bike, going to yoga classes, and swimming are the other enjoyable activities you can benefit from. But whatever you do, try to follow the WHO recommendations for exercise.

Aside from choosing a healthier diet and making some lifestyle changes, you should quit smoking if you are a smoker and try to lose weight. Being overweight will increase your risk of developing heart disease. Try to limit your intake of alcohol and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Remember to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly by visiting a health care provider at least once every two years. By keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels, you'll be able to avoid future health problems.

If you have tried to lower your cholesterol naturally but haven't achieved the desired result yet, consult with a doctor. They may prescribe medicines, such as statins, to lower your cholesterol.