Is high cholesterol weighing you down?

Are you wondering about those numbers that affect your heart and your health? Here’s what you should know about your blood cholesterol levels, and how to keep them on their toes!

Cholesterol is frequently viewed negatively, but it is essential for proper body growth. The human body utilizes cholesterol to make hormones and vitamin D, as well as to aid digestion. Cholesterol is produced by the liver and obtained by the body from foods like meat, dairy, and poultry. If a person consumes these foods in excess, their cholesterol levels may significantly rise.

LDL vs HDL Cholesterol: Good vs Bad

Cholesterol circulates throughout the body on proteins called "lipoproteins." Lipoproteins are two types of proteins that transport cholesterol all through the body.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also recognized as "good cholesterol," transports cholesterol to the liver, where it is excreted from the body and is less likely to clog the arteries.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol particles all through our bodies. LDL clings to the artery walls, hardening and narrowing them.

How will I know I have high cholesterol?

You may have had high cholesterol levels for ages without realizing it. High cholesterol levels in the body eventually cause a buildup on the walls. The result? Plaque buildup, narrowing and hardening the arteries over time.

A blocked artery to the heart caused by either of these factors can result in a heart attack. An obstructed artery to the brain can also cause a stroke. Regular blood tests are the only method for identifying high cholesterol.

Doctors often recommend getting your cholesterol tested when you are in middle age to avoid the overall risk for heart disease. Consult with Apollo doctors and book lab tests online. Understand what cholesterol levels are normal and high.

	Normal	Borderline	High
Total Cholesterol	Less than 200	200-239	240 and higher
HDL Cholesterol	50 and higher	40-49	Less than 40
LDL Cholesterol	Less than 130	130-159	160 and higher
Triglycerides	Less than 200	200-399	400 and higher

 

What factors contribute to high cholesterol levels?

Diet: Our liver produces cholesterol naturally. Yet we also receive it from our food, particularly dairy and meat. Consuming too many of these foods can result in high cholesterol levels in the body.

Lifestyle: Obesity is one of the leading contributors to high cholesterol. This is complicated further by inactivity, which lowers HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the body.

Genetics: Your ancestors' genes can influence your cholesterol levels. According to research, cholesterol runs in families, and people with a healthy diet and active lifestyles could also have elevated levels of bad cholesterol.

Smoking: Some studies have discovered a link between high cholesterol and smoking.

Are medications used to treat cholesterol?

Your physician may prescribe medications to treat high cholesterol levels. You may be prescribed one or more of the following at the same time.

1. Statins
2. Bile acid binding Resins
3. Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
4. Fibrates
5. PCSK9 Inhibitors

Order your medicines from Apollo Pharmacy and get them delivered the same day.

How to control high cholesterol levels?

Some measures to prevent high LDL cholesterol are:

1. Dietary changes:

• Substitute brown rice for white rice and traditional pasta for whole-wheat pasta.
• Rather than frying meat and poultry, bake them.
• Make use of olive oil.
• Incorporate fish and aim for two servings per week.
• Replace flavored waters with fresh fruit pieces in place of flavored waters.
• Instead of sugary cereals, opt for whole-grain cereals topped with cinnamon as a substitute for sugar.
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular disease can all be controlled with chia seeds.
• Consuming around 15 ml of vinegar per day, or any amount that includes around 750 ml of acetic acid, is the ideal amount to reap the potential health advantages of apple cider vinegar, such as fat burning and insulin reduction.
• Heart care products like Omega-3 Fish Oil, and Heart Care Juice which includes Giloy Tulsi, Aloe vera, etc., can prove to be beneficial.

2) Exercise is the way to go

• Regular exercise may also have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Swimming, cycling, and brisk walking are all excellent options.
• A sedentary person must set a periodic reminder on their cellphone or computer, or get a fitness tracker, to remind them to move for 5 minutes every hour. Climbing the stairs rather than taking the elevator is a great way to start exercising.

3) Rectifying harmful habits

• Quit smoking because it increases your impact of elevated cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a variety of cancers.

4) Prevention is better than cure

• A person with a family history of elevated cholesterol or cardiovascular disease should see a doctor as soon as possible and get tested because the earlier they know their lipid profile, the sooner they can take measures to control them.

Bottom line is  

A healthy cholesterol level can be achieved and maintained by eating a well-balanced diet, doing daily exercise, and avoiding tobacco products. It may also help reduce your risk of high cholesterol complications.