Cholesterol is an important substance that is produced by the liver and is found in all cells of the body. It is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, which help to digest fat.
There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sometimes called "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, sometimes called "good" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, while HDL cholesterol helps to remove cholesterol from your arteries. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol is a risk factor for several serious health conditions, including:
Heart disease: High levels of cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and form plaque, which can narrow your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Angina: This is chest pain that occurs when the blood flow to your heart is reduced. It can be a symptom of heart disease.
Heart attack: Due to complete blockage of the heart blood supply. Click here for symptoms
Peripheral artery disease: This is a condition that occurs when the arteries in your legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to your legs.
Aortic stenosis: This is a narrowing of the aortic valve (the main valve that pushes blood from the heart to the body) in the heart, which can cause heart problems.
Atherosclerosis: This is a condition in which the arteries become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque.
Stroke (Paralysis): This occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted. This can be caused by a blockage in a blood vessel or by a blood clot that travels to the brain from another part of the body.
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your cholesterol levels:
Eat a healthy diet: This includes choosing foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado.
Get regular physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week.
Lose excess weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your cholesterol levels.
Quit smoking: Smoking damages the walls of your arteries, which can contribute to the buildup of plaque and increase your risk of heart disease.
Limit your alcohol intake: Excess alcohol consumption can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.
If the cholesterol level has not decreased by the above-mentioned lifestyle modification then the physician will prescribe medication like statins, and others that work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, and other types of cholesterol-lowering medications.
It's important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and to work with your healthcare provider to manage your cholesterol if it is too high.
By Dr. Rakesh Pariyar
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