Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that can be good or bad.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. Aging can increase your risk of high cholesterol, but there are things you can do to lower your risk.

What is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, cell walls, and tissues of all animals. It is essential for the normal functioning of the body, but too much can cause problems.

High cholesterol is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of cholesterol in the blood. This excess can build up in the walls of the arteries and lead to a narrowing of the arteries, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Several factors can cause high cholesterol, such as:.

Aging
Family history of high cholesterol
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Smoking
Diabetes

How Does Aging Increase the Risk of High Cholesterol?

As you age, your body undergoes several changes that increase your risk of high cholesterol.

Your liver becomes less efficient at removing cholesterol from your blood, and the walls of your arteries become stiffer and thicker, making it harder for your blood to flow through them. Additionally, women’s cholesterol levels tend to rise after menopause, and men’s cholesterol levels tend to increase after age 45.

What are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol does not have any symptoms, so many people do not know they have it until they get a blood test. It is essential to get regular blood tests to check your cholesterol levels, especially if you are at risk of developing high cholesterol.

How to Lower Your Risk of High Cholesterol?

There are several things you can do to lower your risk of high cholesterol, such as:.

Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, such as butter and fried foods
Exercise regularly or physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid smoking or quit smoking
Treat underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure

How is High Cholesterol Treated?

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight, to help lower your cholesterol levels.

In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol levels.

What are the Complications of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol can lead to several complications, such as:.

Heart disease
Stroke
Peripheral artery disease
Coronary artery disease

Conclusion

High cholesterol is a common condition that can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Aging can increase your risk of high cholesterol, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, and quitting smoking. It is essential to get regular blood tests to check your cholesterol levels, especially if you are at risk of developing high cholesterol.