Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood that is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. However, when cholesterol levels become too high, it can lead to a number of health problems.

After the age of 35, the risk of developing high cholesterol increases. In this article, we will look at the risks associated with high cholesterol after 35.

What is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dl) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L). According to the American Heart Association, total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 mg/dl (5.2 mmol/L).

High cholesterol is defined as a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dl (6.2 mmol/L) or higher.

The Risks of High Cholesterol

When cholesterol levels are too high, it can lead to a number of health problems, including:.

Heart disease – High cholesterol can cause a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Stroke – If a fatty deposit in the artery breaks off, it can cause a stroke by blocking blood flow to the brain.
Peripheral arterial disease – High cholesterol can cause a narrowing of the arteries in the legs, which can cause pain and numbness.
Gallstones – High cholesterol can cause the formation of gallstones, which can block the bile duct and cause pain.
High blood pressure – High cholesterol can contribute to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Risks of High Cholesterol After 35

After the age of 35, the risk of developing high cholesterol increases. This is because as we age, our bodies become less able to remove excess cholesterol from the blood.

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol after the age of 35 include:.

A family history of high cholesterol
A diet high in saturated and trans fats
A lack of physical activity
Being overweight or obese
Smoking

Preventing High Cholesterol After 35

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to prevent high cholesterol after the age of 35. These include:.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet – This should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Getting regular exercise – Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Maintaining a healthy weight – This can help to reduce the risk of high cholesterol and other health problems.
Not smoking – Smoking can increase the risk of high cholesterol and other health problems.
Drinking alcohol in moderation – Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of high cholesterol and other health problems.

Treating High Cholesterol After 35

If high cholesterol is diagnosed after the age of 35, there are a number of treatments that can be used to reduce cholesterol levels. These include:.

Statins – These are medications that can reduce cholesterol levels by blocking the enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol.
Ezetimibe – This medication can reduce cholesterol levels by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
Healthy lifestyle changes – Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation can all help to reduce cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

High cholesterol is a common health problem that can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and gallstones. After the age of 35, the risk of developing high cholesterol increases.

However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent high cholesterol and treatments available to reduce cholesterol levels if they become too high.