If you are concerned about your heart health, then you must know about cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood and body cells.

It is essential for the body’s normal function, but too much cholesterol can cause heart disease. High cholesterol can clog your arteries, eventually leading to a stroke or heart attack.

Cholesterol levels depend on factors such as age, gender, family history, weight, and diet.

High cholesterol often goes unnoticed, which is why it is known as the ‘silent killer.’ In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of high cholesterol and why it is essential to check cholesterol levels regularly.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is produced naturally by the liver. However, many factors can cause an increase in cholesterol levels. These include:.

Diet: Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats can increase cholesterol levels. These include fatty meats, whole dairy products, and packaged snacks.
Weight: People who are overweight or obese are at higher risk of high cholesterol levels.
Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of regular physical activity can increase the risk of high cholesterol.
Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels, which can increase cholesterol levels.
Family history: High cholesterol can run in families.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol often has no signs or symptoms, which is why it is known as the ‘silent killer.’ Many people with high cholesterol are usually diagnosed during a routine health checkup or a cholesterol test.

However, some may experience the following symptoms:.

Xanthomas: These are lumps of cholesterol that appear under the skin and are usually yellow in color. They can appear on the elbows, knees, or buttocks.
Xanthelasmas: These are yellow patches that appear around the eyelids.
Angina: This is chest pain that occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood. It can be a sign of clogged arteries caused by high cholesterol.
Stroke: A stroke can occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. High cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke.

How Is High Cholesterol Diagnosed?

The only way to diagnose high cholesterol is through a blood test. A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid profile, measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. The test measures the following:.

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)
HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
Triglycerides

The test is usually done after fasting for 9-12 hours to get accurate results. The ideal cholesterol levels are:.

Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dl
LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dl
HDL cholesterol: More than 60 mg/dl
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dl

How Can You Prevent High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medication. These include:.

Diet: Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats can help prevent high cholesterol. Foods that are good for heart health include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins such as fish and beans.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help increase HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels. Aim for 30 minutes of daily moderate-intensity exercise.
Quit smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels, which can increase cholesterol levels. Quitting smoking can help improve heart health.
Medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol levels. These include statins, which are a type of drug that lowers LDL cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease. It often goes unnoticed, which is why it is crucial to check cholesterol levels regularly.

A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and not smoking can help prevent high cholesterol. However, if lifestyle changes are not enough, medication can be prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels.