Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver that is essential for the proper functioning of the body.

However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. If left untreated, it can be fatal. This article will discuss cholesterol and how it can impact your health insurance coverage.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is produced by the liver and is found in certain foods. It is an important element in the creation of cell membranes, hormone production, nerve function, and digestion.

Cholesterol is transported in the blood by proteins called lipoproteins.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of arteries, forming plaques that can lead to heart disease and stroke. HDL, on the other hand, is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle habits. Eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats, smoking, and lack of exercise can all increase the risk of high cholesterol.

Age, gender, and family history can also play a role in developing high cholesterol.

Why is High Cholesterol Dangerous?

High cholesterol levels can cause a buildup of plaques in the walls of arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis.

This condition can restrict blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart and brain, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Peripheral artery disease, a condition that causes narrowed arteries in the legs, can also result from high cholesterol levels.

Health Insurance and Cholesterol

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of cholesterol testing and treatment. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, such as high cholesterol, your premiums could be higher than someone without that condition.

It is important to disclose any pre-existing conditions when shopping for health insurance coverage to ensure that you are getting an accurate quote.

How to Lower Cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medication to help control your cholesterol levels.

Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and losing weight if needed are all effective ways to lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage high cholesterol.

Conclusion

High cholesterol can be a serious health condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your levels.

And when shopping for health insurance coverage, be sure to disclose any pre-existing conditions to get a accurate quote.