- The human body needs cholesterol. Without it, the body is unable to produce the necessary hormones that are essential for good health. Cholesterol is also important to cells because it aids in the manufacturing of the membranes that surround cells. The American Heart Association explains that cholesterol is found in every cell of the body as well as the blood stream.
- High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia, which simply means that there is too much cholesterol inside the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, which eventually leads to blockages. These blockages restrict blood flow to important organs, especially the brain and heart. High cholesterol can cause life-threatening health conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
- There are two types of cholesterol found in the body, and one type is better than the other. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is referred to as "bad" cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol. Triglycerides make up most of the fat content in the body; all three together make-up total cholesterol. "High" cholesterol can be confusing because of the different types of cholesterol. But, when health professionals refer to high cholesterol, it simply means that there is more LDL in the body and not enough HDL. A high triglyceride (fat) content can make the high cholesterol scenario even worse.
- Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in a blood test. One deciliter is equal to 100 milliliters, and the ideal cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), total cholesterol levels that rise above 200mg/dL not only put a person at risk for acquiring disabling cardiac conditions, but the high cholesterol levels can also lead to death. Therefore, it is essential for patients who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol to achieve optimal levels of each of the components of total cholesterol. LDL levels averaging between 100 and 129 mg/dL along with an HDL level above 40 mg/dL is considered healthy. Combine these levels with a triglyceride level below 150 mg/dL and total cholesterol is considered ideal.
- When cholesterol levels are high, it is essential that preventative measures be taken to avoid serious illness. Losing weight, exercising at least 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy diet can help. Mayoclinic.com suggests that reducing the intake of trans fats and saturated fats, eating more fruits and vegetables and adding whole grain foods to the daily diet can lower high cholesterol. Salt reduction is also important because excess salt can negatively contribute to the already damaging side effects of high cholesterol.
- When diet and exercise are not enough to reduce high cholesterol, the addition of a medication may be necessary. According to Familydoctor.org, the medications that are used most commonly for the treatment of high cholesterol fall into the categories of statins, resins, fibric acids, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and nicotinic acid. After a thorough examination and blood test analysis, the attending physician will decide if one or the combination of several will work best for the patient. Medications for high cholesterol do have some side effects such as nausea, headache, cramps, muscle aches and insomnia.
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