We all know that to maintain a overall health, and lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet, physical activity, and avoiding smoking can help control cholesterol levels. In some cases, medications may also be necessary to manage high cholesterol. We frequently listing about cholesterol everyday but don’t know more about it.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the cells of the body, as well as in some foods. It is important for the body to have some cholesterol, as it is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help with digestion. The liver can synthesize cholesterol or obtain it from dietary sources. Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins, which are complex particles that consist of a core of cholesterol and triglycerides, surrounded by a shell of phospholipids, proteins, and free cholesterol.
Types of Cholesterol
There are three main types of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol:
1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
One type is LDL, Low-density lipoprotein is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol and other lipids from the liver to the cells of the body. LDL also known as “bad” cholesterol because it can accumulate in the arteries’ walls, leading to plaque formation and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
LDL is produced by the liver and other tissues, and its levels are influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. High levels of LDL cholesterol are a significant risk factor for heart disease, and lowering LDL levels is an important strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Second type is HDL, High-density lipoprotein is type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol and other lipids from the cells of the body back to the liver for processing and elimination. HDL often referred to as “good” cholesterol as it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carry it back to the liver and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
HDL also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to protect against the development of cardiovascular disease, remove excess cholesterol from the walls of the arteries, reducing inflammation and preventing the buildup of plaque. High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, while low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
3. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
Third type of cholesterol is VLDL, Very low-density lipoprotein is another type of lipoprotein that is produced in the liver and carries triglycerides to the cells of the body. Like LDL, high levels of VLDL can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is not necessarily “bad,” but high levels of VLDL can increase the risk of heart disease. VLDL is a necessary component of the body’s lipid transport system, and plays an important role in delivering triglycerides to the cells of the body for use as an energy source. But when VLDL are too high, it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. As with LDL and HDL cholesterol, maintaining healthy levels of VLDL is an important step in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
Causes of high cholesterol
There are several factors that can contribute to high cholesterol levels, but Lifestyle factors and genetics both play a major role in causing high cholesterol
Smoking and Tobacco
Smoking can contribute to the development of heart disease by increasing LDL cholesterol levels and decreasing HDL cholesterol levels. Smoking can increase the production of LDL cholesterol by the liver that damaging the lining of the arteries, which can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries.
Smoking can reduce the activity of an enzyme called lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, which is responsible for transferring cholesterol from the bloodstream to HDL particles. As a result, HDL cholesterol levels may decrease and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Stress
Stress is a complex physiological response to a perceived threat, and it can affect many aspects of physical and mental health. Stress triggers hormonal changes that cause your body to produce cholesterol and increase in LDL cholesterol that leading to an increase in circulating levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Alcohol
If frequency of alcohol consumption is high then it can be raise your total cholesterol. Heavy alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy, contribute to the development of high triglycerides in the bloodstream, which is a increased risk of heart disease.
Inactivity
If you are not moving around enough and there is a lack of physical activity that can increase cholesterol levels. If you have a desk job or sit a lot in your day time at one place then your body won’t produce enough HDL.
Diet
Diet plays important roll to maintain cholesterol level in body, if you eating foods that are high in saturated and trans fats like full-fat dairy products, meat, more fried foods, then it can be cause of increase cholesterol level in your body. So plan a good diet plan for your routine life to increase HDL and decrease LDL in blood.
Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health as being overweight or obese can increase the risk for various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers as overweight or obese can increase the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in the blood.
Genetics
Genetics can play a role in high cholesterol levels. If you have FH or a family history of high cholesterol , it is important to lifestyle changes such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking
Problems Because of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of a variety of health problems, including:
Atherosclerosis
Elevated levels of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, can potentially lead to the onset of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arterial walls. As a result, the arteries may become narrowed and hardened, thereby raising the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, stroke, and other related complications.
Heart disease
High cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, are a major risk factor for heart disease. Excess of LDL cholesterol in the blood can narrow and harden the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can reduce blood flow to the heart and lead to chest pain, heart attack, variety of heart problems, and heart failure.
Stroke
Atherosclerosis can also contribute to the development of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced.
Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs because of narrowing or blockage of the vessels with fatty plaque in the arteries that lift blood from the coronary heart to the legs and arm.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure and excessive cholesterol both can be cause for each other. Increase of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream deposit alongside artery walls that cause coronary heart to work additional time to pump blood thru them and blood pressure go up and up.
Diabetes
High cholesterol levels can be cause of insulin resistance and diabetes, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Many studies says that increased cholesterol levels lead to deterioration of glucose tolerance that may lead to type 2 diabetes.
Gallstones
High levels of cholesterol may be the cause of gallstones, which are hardened deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder. Gallstones can form if there are unusually high levels of cholesterol inside the gallbladder.
Solutions of High Cholesterol
Healthy lifestyle choices can help turn the tide by increasing the beneficial HDL and decreasing the harmful LDL. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and medications such as statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs. It’s important for individuals to work with their healthcare providers to develop a plan to can manage your cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease.
Exercise
Physical activity is a good way to reduce LDL cholesterol and a person’s overall risk of heart disease.
Healthy diet plan
Make a healthy diet plan using fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Diet plan should include mostly unsaturated fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and vegetable oils which can improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels. Also read more about Top 50 super healthy foods by categories here
Weight Management
Weight management is the important as having excess body weight can lead to increased cholesterol levels. Obesity and high cholesterol are both risk factors for cardiovascular health issues. Eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, added sugars, and processed foods leads to obesity causes the increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
High LDL cholesterol is sneaky and silent. You don’t know that have too many lipids in your blood and no longer be aware of it for many years. Only blood testing is the solely way to locate out. High cholesterol affects humans of all ages, such as these who are energetic and experience healthy. keep in mind that having excessive cholesterol isn’t a failure. Try manage cholesterol by what you can, however recognize that medicinal drugs and different scientific interventions are there to fill in the gaps.
Kalpesh Pathak
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