Cholesterol

Overview

• Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood.
• It is essential for building healthy cells, but too much cholesterol increases the risk of heart attacks.
• High cholesterol causes fatty deposits in the blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow.
• These deposits can lead to clots, causing heart attacks or strokes.

Can High Cholesterol Be Inherited?

• It can be inherited but is often caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.
• It is treatable and preventable through a healthy diet, physical activity, and medication.

Types of Cholesterol

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL):Known as "bad" cholesterol, it carries cholesterol to parts of the body, where it can accumulate in the arteries.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL):o Known as "good" cholesterol, it removes excess cholesterol and transports it back to the liver.

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

• Controllable Factors:
• Unhealthy Diet: Foods high in cholesterol, trans fats, or saturated fats.
• Obesity: A BMI above 30 kg/m² increases risk.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Leads to high LDL and triglycerides.
• Smoking: Damages blood vessels and lowers HDL.
• Uncontrollable Factors
• Genetic inability to remove LDL or break it down in the liver.
• Lifestyle changes can mitigate genetic risks, like exercising and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Other Risk Factors
• High blood pressure, diabetes, or medical conditions like lupus, hypothyroidism, HIV/AIDS, or chronic kidney disease.
• Certain medications, such as those for organ transplantation, cancer, or high blood pressure.

Symptoms

• High cholesterol has no visible symptoms.
• A blood test is the only way to detect it.

When to Check Cholesterol Levels

• Ages 9–11: First test, then every 5 years
• Ages 45–65 (men) and 55–65 (women): Every 1–2 years.
• Over age 65: Annually.

Complications

• Atherosclerosis: Fatty deposits in arteries reduce blood flow.
• Chest Pain: Reduced blood flow in heart arteries causes angina.
• Heart Attack: Ruptured plaques form clots, blocking blood flow to the heart.
• Stroke: Clots block blood flow to the brain.

Diagnosis

A blood test, known as a lipid profile, measures:

• Total cholesterol.
• LDL cholesterol.
• HDL cholesterol.
• Triglycerides.

Treatment for High Cholesterol

• Lifestyle Changes:
• Maintain a healthy diet and engage in physical activity.
• Drug Therapy
• Recommended if lifestyle changes are insufficient.
• Factors influencing drug choice include age, health status, and potential side effects.

Prevention Tips

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat healthy, fiber-rich foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Limit trans fats and opt for whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fish.