Cholesterol- Types, Effects, Causes, Symptoms

So you are getting older and afraid of heart diseases? Well, first thing first. You should control your cholesterol level to maintain proper functioning of your heart. Now, this is the time to sacrifice those cheese, burgers and fatty foods. Let's understand about this cholesterol better.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol pronounced as “Kuh-LES-Tuh-Rawl” is a waxy substance found naturally in the blood. Usually, cholesterol cannot be termed as bad as the myth is. It can be both good and bad. If the cholesterol levels in the blood are average, then it is an essential substance for the body. However, if the level of cholesterol increases, it increases the risk of heart disease too. Cholesterol helps in the proper functioning of your brain, heart and other organs.

Types of Cholesterol:

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL Cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).

1. LDL Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein): LDL Cholesterol is also known as bad cholesterol. Too much of bad cholesterol can make the arteries narrower and risk to coronary heart diseases.

2. HDL Cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein): HDL Cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol. It helps in removing the high cholesterol from the blood and make them pass out from the body.

Effects of High Cholesterol on the body:

High Cholesterol level or too much cholesterol increases the chance of coronary heart disease. However, there is no such signs and symptoms of knowing if the cholesterol level is average or increasing. Thus, many people remain unaware of cholesterol levels.

The level of LDL cholesterol in your blood should be lower, and the level of HDL cholesterol in your blood should be higher.

Always remember- HDL should be Higher.

                              LDL should be Lower.

Not maintaining this cholesterol level can build up a plaque inside the arteries and lead to severe heart problems. It can hinder the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

Going through the reports, it has been found that 5 out of every 10 women in America have a high level of cholesterol.

Cholesterol chart for adults:

Cholesterol levels are measured in the unit of MG/DL. If the level is less than 200 MG/DL, it is considered as the normal cholesterol level, and you are out of cholesterol risk. If the level is in between 200-239 MG/DL, then you are at risk and must take some preventions. If the level is above 240 MG/DL, then it's alarming and hazardous.

200 MG/DL- Normal(Standard) level- Should maintain this lifestyle

200-239 MG/DL- Threshold- Should consult a doctor and change the diet and lifestyle.

Above 240 MG/DL- Alarming- Should take immediate help from a doctor.

What causes high cholesterol?

·        Eating too much-saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol can increase the level of cholesterol in the body.

·        Being overweight may increase triglycerides level and decrease HDL levels.

·        Age- After 20 the level of cholesterol tends to increase gradually.

·        Gender- Cholesterol level increase faster in men as compared to women.

·        Smoking and high consumption of alcohol can lower HDL cholesterol level.

·        Family background- If someone in your family had or have high cholesterol the then chances are that you may also have high cholesterol level.

Symptoms that you have high cholesterol level:

As said above there is no such cholesterol symptoms and signs that can alarm you of Cholesterol risks. One can, however, go for regular blood testing to determine the level of cholesterol.

Lifestyle changes to lower high cholesterol level:

Lifestyle changes are essential to maintain and control cholesterol level from increasing. Only medications are not important to lower cholesterol level. Below mentioned are some natural remedies to treat cholesterol.

1. Healthy eating habits: Having healthy food is the best and simple way to decrease cholesterol levels. Remove saturated and trans fats from your daily eating schedule like meat, dairy products, chocolates, cheese. Foods that lower cholesterol is oats, beans, vegetable oils, apples, brown rice, carrots and much more. Follow low cholesterol diet with above mentioned good cholesterol foods and lower cholesterol naturally.

2. Healthy weight: Maintain a healthy weight and reduce some weight if you are overweight. Losing extra weight can lower cholesterol level and blood pressure.

3. Do exercise: Doing exercise will not only help you with your daily fitness but will also help you in losing weight and thus lowering your cholesterol levels. Regular exercise of even 15-20 minutes is quite beneficial for your health.

4. Quit smoking: Be it your cholesterol, be it your other health-related issues, smoking is not suitable for anything. Quitting smoking is the best thing to do to keep your hearts health good.

High LDL cholesterol treatment is possible if you cut down below-mentioned food from your diet.

•    Fried foods.

•    Red meat.

•    Full-fat dairy products.

•    Tropical Oils.

Sometimes lifestyle mentioned above changes are not enough in high cholesterol treatment, and you then need to bring some medications in your daily life.

The most common medication to lower cholesterol is Statins. It is mostly recommended by all the doctors to lower cholesterol levels. However, some of the common side effects of using statin are intestinal problems, muscle inflammation, and some rare chances of liver damage. But the vast benefits of using Statin always surpass its side effects.

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