Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is essential for the functioning of our bodies. However, having too much of it can be harmful to our health, especially for men.

High cholesterol levels can lead to heart diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide. In this article, we will take a closer look at the risks of high cholesterol and how it affects men’s health.

What is cholesterol and why is it important?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in our blood. It is produced by our liver, and we also get it from the food we eat. Our bodies need cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help us digest fat.

Cholesterol is carried in our blood by lipoproteins, which are of two types – low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL is commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol because when it builds up in our bloodstream, it can form plaques in our arteries, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

In contrast, HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it carries the excess cholesterol from our arteries to our liver, where it is broken down and eliminated from our bodies.

What are the risks of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a primary risk factor for heart disease. When LDL cholesterol builds up in our arteries, it can cause them to narrow and harden, which restricts the flow of blood and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 102 million American adults have high cholesterol levels that put them at risk of developing heart disease.

Other health problems that can arise due to high cholesterol include:.

Chest pain (angina)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Liver disease

Men are at a higher risk of developing high cholesterol levels and heart disease than women. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), men over 45 years of age and women over 55 years of age are at higher risk of developing heart disease.

What causes high cholesterol?

Various factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels, including:.

Diet: Eating a diet rich in saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity can lead to weight gain and increase LDL cholesterol levels.
Age and gender: Men are more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than women, especially after age 45.
Family history: Genetic factors can make some people prone to having high cholesterol levels.
Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
Smoking: Smoking damages the walls of our arteries and increases the risk of plaque formation.

How to lower cholesterol levels?

The good news is that high cholesterol levels can be managed or lowered through lifestyle changes and medication. Here are some ways to lower your cholesterol levels:.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to help prevent weight gain and boost HDL cholesterol levels.
Lose weight: Losing weight can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, especially if you have obesity or are overweight.
Quit smoking: Smoking damages the walls of your arteries and increases cholesterol levels, so quitting smoking can help lower your risk of heart disease.
Take medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Cholesterol is a vital substance for our body’s functioning, but having high levels of it can be harmful to our health, especially for men. High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

To lower cholesterol levels, one can make lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and losing weight. If these changes are not enough, medication can also be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is essential for a healthy heart.