What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you consume. This includes eggs, meats, and dairy. Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can be bad for your health. There is "good" (HDL) cholesterol and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol
What is the difference between "good" cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol?
Good cholesterol is called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad" cholesterol.
If your total cholesterol level is high due to a high LDL level, you might be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high just because of a high HDL level, you're most likely not at higher risk.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you consume more calories than your body can use, it turns the extra calories into triglycerides.
Changing your lifestyle (diet and exercise) can improve your cholesterol levels, decrease LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL.
Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease.
Symptoms of high cholesterol
Commonly, there are no specific symptoms of high cholesterol. You can have high cholesterol and not know it.
If you have high cholesterol, your body might store the extra cholesterol in your arteries. These are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. A buildup of cholesterol in your arteries is known as plaque. Over time, plaque can become hard and make your arteries narrow. Large deposits of plaque can completely block an artery. Cholesterol plaques can also break apart, resulting in formation of a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood.
A blocked artery to the heart can result in a heart attack. A blocked artery to your brain can cause a stroke.
A lot of people do not discover that they have high cholesterol until they suffer one of these deadly events. Some people find out through routine check-ups that include blood tests.
What causes high cholesterol?
Your liver produces cholesterol, but you also get cholesterol from food. Eating too many foods that are high in fat can increase your cholesterol level.
Being overweight and inactive also causes high cholesterol. If you are overweight, you probably have a higher level of triglycerides. If you never exercise and aren't active in general, it can lower your HDL (good cholesterol).
Your family history also impacts your cholesterol level. Research has shown that high cholesterol has a tendency to run in families. If you have an immediate family member who has it, you could have it, as well.
Smoking also leads to high cholesterol. It lowers your HDL (good cholesterol).
How is high cholesterol diagnosed?
You can not know if you have high cholesterol without having it checked. A simple blood test will reveal your cholesterol level.
Men 35 years of age and older and women 45 years of age and older should have their cholesterol checked. Men and women 20 years of age and older that have risk factors for heart disease should have their cholesterol checked. Teens may need to be checked if they are taking certain medicines or have a strong family history of high cholesterol. Ask your doctor how often you should have your cholesterol checked.
Risk factors for heart disease consist of:
High cholesterol treatment
If you have high cholesterol, you may have to make some lifestyle adjustments. If you smoke, quit. Exercise regularly. If you're overweight, losing just five to 10 pounds can improve your cholesterol levels and your risk for heart disease. Be sure to consume lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
Depending on your risk factors, your doctor might prescribe medicine and lifestyle adjustments.
For further information about Dr. Stengler’s practice and his clinic in Rancho Santa Fe, California, please visit our website at MarkStengler.com or give us a call at (760) 274-2377
