What are Cholesterols?  

Cholesterol is a waxy substance (a type of fat, or lipid) found in your blood which is important for a various function in the body. The body relies on cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart diseases.   

With the presence of high cholesterol in the body, fatty deposits can develop in the blood vessels. Subsequently, these deposits grow, thereby making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Oftentimes, these deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that may cause a heart attack or stroke. 

High cholesterol can be inherited, but it’s oftentimes the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which make it preventable and treatable. The body also gets cholesterol from the food you eat. This includes eggs, meats, and dairy. Too much cholesterol can be bad for your health.

There is “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol.  

Living a healthy life with a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercises and sometimes medication can help reduce high cholesterol. 

Symptoms  

High Cholesterol typically does not present any overt signs or symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect if you have it. Get your test done here. 

High cholesterol levels are known to cause life-threatening conditions including heart attack and stroke. Seek immediate medical care if you, your loved one or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms of a heart attack: 

  • Change in the level of consciousness, such as passing out, unresponsiveness, or lethargy 
  • Chest pain, discomfort, pressure or squeezing 
  • Nausea and vomiting with chest pain 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Sweating or clammy skin  
  • Discomfort or pain in the upper body (neck, shoulders, back or arms) 
  • Unusual dizziness or light-headedness that does not go away 

If high cholesterol has been detected in your blood, you may need to make some healthy lifestyle changes. Such as; quite smoking, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight. This can improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease. Ensure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish. 

Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may prescribe medicine and lifestyle changes. 

Prevention 

Reducing your risk of developing high cholesterol and possibly life-threatening complications involve a number of things. The first and important step is to get your cholesterol levels checked. Getting your levels checked can help your health care provider in setting goals and make lifestyle changes including: 

  • Getting regular exercise 
  • Increasing the number of monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and fiber in your diet 
  • Maintaining a healthy weight 
  • Not smoking or quitting smoking 
  • Reducing the number of saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol that you eat 

Visit the doctor today to get tested and begin your treatment to managing you cholesterol level.