Understanding Cholesterol Problems: Symptoms.

A high level of cholesterol in the blood doesn't have obvious symptoms, but it can increase your risk for conditions that do have symptoms, including diabetes and high blood pressure. And is also associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. That can include coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

So what is cholesterol anyway?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs to rebuild its cells. these waxy substances are made in liver to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. 

Most of your body's cholesterol (about 80%) is made in your liver. The rest comes from your diet. Dietary cholesterol is found in foods from animal sources, such as eggs, meats, and dairy products.

Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, so it can’t travel through your blood on its own. To help transport cholesterol, your liver produces lipoproteins. The lipoprotein are particles made from fat and protein, and are classified in two types.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-

These are often called “bad cholesterol" because it carries cholesterol to your arteries. And if the levels of LDL cholesterol are too high, it can build up on the walls of your arteries.

When your blood contains too much LDL cholesterol ( Low-density lipoprotein), it’s known as high cholesterol. And if not treated high cholesterol can lead to many health problems, including heart attack or stroke. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source, over one-third of American adults have elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. 

So how do we know if we have a High cholesterol level ?

High cholesterol typically causes no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get your cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis. 

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) -

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) can sometimes be called “good cholesterol.” As it helps your body to remove LDL cholesterol from your liver. This helps prevent cholesterol plaque from building up in your arteries.

When you have healthy levels of HDL cholesterol, it can help lower your risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. 

What causes high cholesterol?

As I have already mentioned at the starting of this article about 80% of cholesterol is made in your liver and the rest comes from your diet. Dietary cholesterol is found in foods from animal sources, such as eggs, meats, and dairy products.

There are several other factors that can affect your level of cholesterol, like Being overweight and inactive physically that causes high cholesterol. If you are overweight, you are most likely to have a higher level of triglycerides. If you never exercise and aren’t active in general, it can also lower your HDL (good cholesterol). Smoking also causes high cholesterol. It lowers your HDL (good cholesterol).

There are several researches that has shown that if high cholesterol tends to run in families or you have an immediate family member who has it, you could have it, too.

Can high cholesterol be prevented or avoided?

A direct answer to this question is Yes. There are two ways to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol by making healthy food choices and exercising daily 

Eating food with less saturated fat and more healthy fats like lean meats, avocados, nuts, and low-fat dairy items. And avoiding foods that contain trans fat (such as fried and packaged foods). foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can really help you to stay healthy and control your cholesterol level.

Exercising for atleast 30 minutes in a day can not only keep you active and fit but can also help you to lower your cholesterol level. You can go for a walk. Ride your bike to work or can practice yoga.

Besides these two methods if you have a habit to smoke or consume alcohol you can have higher chances to have high cholesterol level. But if you could quit smoking and alcohol you can help your body to lower the level of cholesterol.

We recommend you to read this article on “Smoking kills" where we had shown a detailed information on how you can quit smoking.

Thankyou for reading I hope my information will help you to fight your cholesterol level and keep you healthy. If you like our information follow us and subscribe to our blog via email and we will mail you everytime we post something new.

STAY HEALTHY

STAY HAPPY