What is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol means there’s too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance your body needs, but having too much of it can build up in your blood vessels and make it harder for blood to flow. Over time, this can raise your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Causes of high cholesterol
High cholesterol can happen when you eat too much unhealthy fat, but it can also run in families. It can also be caused by not exercising, being overweight or having certain health conditions.Risk factors for high cholesterol
- You eat a lot of fried or fatty foods.
- You don’t get enough physical activity.
- You’re overweight or obese.
- You have a family history of high cholesterol.
- You smoke or drink alcohol often.
- You have other conditions like diabetes.
Symptoms of high cholesterol
High cholesterol usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Most people don’t know they have it until they get a blood test or develop other problems like heart disease.diagnosing high cholesterol
The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is with a blood test called a lipid panel. This test measures:- Total cholesterol.
- “Bad” cholesterol (LDL).
- “Good” cholesterol (HDL).
- Triglycerides (another kind of fat in the blood).
Treatment of high cholesterol
High cholesterol can be treated and controlled with:- Eating healthier foods (less fat and more fiber).
- Exercising regularly.
- Taking medicine if your doctor recommends it.
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol.
- Losing weight if needed.