High Cholesterol: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Manage It

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body. It is essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help digest fat.

How High Cholesterol Affects the Body

High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, occurs when there is an excess of cholesterol in the blood. This condition can stem from several factors including genetic factors and lifestyle choices.

Above factors lead to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances in the arteries, forming plaques. As plaques build up:

Atherosclerosis: The arteries become narrow and harden, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
Reduced Artery Flexibility: The narrowing reduces the flexibility of the arteries.
Restricted Blood Flow: Limited blood flow due to narrowed arteries. This can lead to serious health problems including heart attacks and strokes.

Symptoms of high cholesterol

High cholesterol often does not present any noticeable symptoms. It is typically detected through blood tests rather than visible signs. However, when high cholesterol leads to complications, symptoms can manifest, including:

Chest Pain: Caused by reduced blood flow to the heart (angina) due to narrowed arteries.
Shortness of Breath: Resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart or lungs.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness can occur if the heart is not getting enough oxygenated blood.
Pain or Cramping in the Legs: This can be due to peripheral artery disease (PAD), where narrowed arteries in the legs restrict blood flow.
Heart Attack Symptoms: Such as pain in the chest, left arm, or jaw, nausea, sweating, or dizziness.
Stroke Symptoms: Including sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.

Types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is categorized into different types based on the lipoproteins that transport it through the bloodstream. Each type plays a distinct role in health:

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol

Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol

Known as “good” cholesterol. HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Very Low-Density Lipoprotein(VLDL)

Transports triglycerides (another type of fat) from the liver to the tissues. Like LDL, high levels of VLDL can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Causes of high cholesterol

High cholesterol can be caused by a variety of factors:

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes dangerously high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of early heart disease regardless of lifestyle.
Eating foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol (such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods) can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and a decrease in HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Smoking damages blood vessels and lowers HDL cholesterol, making it easier for cholesterol to accumulate in the arteries.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption can raise LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can affect cholesterol levels.
Certain drugs, including some diuretics and steroids, can impact cholesterol levels.

Prevention

To prevent high cholesterol, consider these strategies:

Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol found in red meat, processed foods, and full-fat dairy products.
Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Exercise helps increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Excess weight can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
Smoking damages blood vessels and lowers HDL cholesterol. Quitting smoking can improve your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all. Excessive alcohol can increase LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Chronic stress can negatively impact cholesterol levels. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Get regular cholesterol screenings to monitor your levels and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle or medications.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your healthcare provider may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications to help manage your levels effectively.

By incorporating these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and associated cardiovascular issues.

When and how often to screen for cholesterol?

Regular cholesterol screenings are important for monitoring your heart health. The frequency of screening can depend on various factors, including your age, risk factors, and overall health. Here are general guidelines:

Adults should generally be screened every 4-6 years, or more frequently if they have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. Those with elevated cholesterol or cardiovascular risk may need annual screenings.
Children should be screened between ages 9-11 and 17-21, with earlier tests for those with a family history of high cholesterol.

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider will help determine the appropriate screening schedule based on your individual health profile and risk factors.

Summary

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Effective management of cholesterol levels involves several key strategies:

Understand Cholesterol Types and Risks: Recognize the different types of cholesterol and how they affect your health.
Identify Contributing Factors: Be aware of factors like diet, exercise, weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption that can raise cholesterol levels.
Adopt Healthy Habits:
Balanced Diet: Choose foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Regular Physical Activity: Engage in exercise to improve heart health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep your weight in a healthy range.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Cut out habits that negatively impact cholesterol.
Monitor Cholesterol Levels: Regular screenings help track your cholesterol and make necessary adjustments.

By staying informed and proactive, individuals can manage their cholesterol more effectively, reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular issues, and maintain better heart health.

FAQs

Can garlic reduce cholesterol?

Garlic has been found to modestly reduce total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet, but its effects can vary, so it shouldn’t be relied on as the only treatment for high cholesterol.

Does drinking hot water help lower cholesterol?

Drinking hot water alone has no direct effect on reducing cholesterol levels. However, staying hydrated is important for overall health, and combining good hydration with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes can support cholesterol management.

Do eggs negatively affect cholesterol?

While eggs contain dietary cholesterol, recent research suggests they have a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. For individuals with specific cholesterol concerns or conditions, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Can walking help lower blood cholesterol?

Yes, regular walking can help reduce cholesterol levels by increasing HDL cholesterol and improving overall heart health.