High Cholesterol Level: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment

Cholesterol disease

High amounts of cholesterol in the blood can limit blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke. It can also lead to diabetes and high blood pressure. The cholesterol levels can be diagnosed by a blood test. 

How can you measure your cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol levels vary from person to person according to gender and age. It’s recommended to check your cholesterol levels every 5 to 6 years. Cholesterol level is measured in three classification-

1. LDL or bad cholesterol 
2. HDL or good cholesterol 
3. Total cholesterol 

The cholesterol range increases with age. Experts recommend taking precautions in early-stage to prevent high levels of cholesterol. Given below are some readings of cholesterol normal range 

For adults-

• The total cholesterol levels of an adult are between 200-239 mg/FL. If the reading exceeds over 240 mg/dl, it’s considered high. 
• HDL levels of an adult should be between 41 mg/dl- 59mg/dl.
• LDL cholesterol levels should be between 100-129 mg/dl.

For children-

• Total cholesterol levels range from 170 to 199 mg/dL.
• LDL levels should be between 110 to 129 mg/dL. 

Cholesterol disease symptoms

Having high cholesterol in the blood doesn’t always show oblivious symptoms but it can increase the chances of angina, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Some other high cholesterol symptoms are-

• Yellow lesions on the skin. This condition is called xanthomas.
• Overweight or diabetes
• Impotency in males

Cholesterol disease risk factors 

Down below we have listed some factors which increase the risk of cholesterol disease-

• Age- Young children can also have high cholesterol. But it is mostly seen in people over 45 years old. 
• Obesity- An individual having a body mass index of more than 30 is at a high risk of cholesterol-related diseases.
• Lack of exercise- Indulging in physical activities boosts your body’s HDL, that is the good cholesterol.
• Consuming alcohol- Drinking a lot of alcohol can increase total cholesterol levels.
• Smoking cigarettes- reduces the level of HDL.
• Poor diet- Taking too much trans fat or saturated fat can result in high cholesterol.

Apart from these cholesterol heart disease risk is also a factor developed by fatty deposits in the blood vessels. To make you aware of the consequences of having high cholesterol levels,  let’s discuss some cholesterol-related diseases–

• Atherosclerosis- High cholesterol level in the blood increases the risk of a disorder called Atherosclerosis. In this condition, the arteries get hard and rigid as there is a formation of plague. It can lead to cardiovascular diseases like stroke or heart attack. 

• Heart Disease- There is a relation between high cholesterol and several cardiovascular diseases that affects your heart and the function of blood vessels. Coronary artery disease is one of the major risk factors of high cholesterol. In case plaque builds up in the artery you can have a heart attack. If any part of the artery is blocked you have chances to develop angina. 

• Stroke- Stroke is another risk factor for high cholesterol. In a stroke, the brain cells die as they block the blood flow to the brain. This condition can lead to trouble talking, weakness in the limbs. 
• Obesity- It is a disorder that is linked to high cholesterol. Patients who have obese are much likely to develop this high cholesterol. They are also prone to other risk factors like diabetes and heart disease. 

Cholesterol in woman

Females generally have higher HDL cholesterol levels than males. This is because of the presence of a hormone called estrogen. Experts suggest that cholesterol levels in the female body depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle due to changes in estrogen levels. When a woman undergoes menopause at the age of 55. She experiences changes in cholesterol levels. Additionally, during pregnancy, the total cholesterol level rises but after the delivery, it returns to normal. 

Cholesterol in children

Not only adults, but even children can have high cholesterol levels. This can lead to health disorders. Too much cholesterol in the blood leads to plaque on the arteries, which narrows the arteries and blocks the blood flow, eventually causing a stroke. The reasons why a child can have high cholesterol are hereditary, obesity and diet.

Cholesterol men’s health 

High cholesterol levels in the blood put males at a higher risk of developing heart attacks, peripheral heart diseases, and strokes. For many males, it is seen that the risk starts at the 20s and increases with age. Genes play a role in causing high cholesterol. But even lifestyle matters like no physical activities, overweight, trans-fat diet can be the cause. Every male after the age of 20 should get a cholesterol test once every 4 to 5 years. If your readings are higher than usual, get in touch with doctors in a boring road area. 

Heart disease cholesterol relationship 

There is a link between cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. When an individual has too much cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. In this condition, the arteries become hardened and narrow. Hence, not enough blood reaches the heart and the patient suffers from chest pain or angina and if the blood supply is completely blocked, it results in a heart attack. 

Cholesterol disease treatment

Down below we have listed some remedies which can maintain your cholesterol levels-

• Lose weight. It’s important to have a healthy weight. As you know by now, being overweight is a risk factor for high cholesterol.
• Stop smoking
• Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals. Avoid taking trans fat foods. 
• Limit the consumption of alcohol
• Try to manage your stress
• Try to exercise daily at least 15 mins

Why is GoodDeed clinic the best for your health checkups?

GoodDeed provides you with proper medical assistance in the clinic in Patna. We ensure you get high-quality services from a neurologist on a boring road and a gastroenterologist on a boring road Patna, at the best price possible. GoodDeed has exceptionally qualified and experienced physician doctor in Patna boring road, who are trained in the USA and are practicing here in the clinic and diagnostic center of health checkup in Patna. You can simply fix an online appointment with doctors, and have a one-to-one conversation. We are also open for long-distance packages for families who stay abroad and their parents are in India. To get smooth and effective treatment, consult GoodDeed, a full body checkup clinic in Patna.

FAQs

What is the relation between cholesterol and renal disease?

Experts found that men who had high cholesterol levels and lower levels of HDL  that is the good cholesterol are most likely to have increased creatinine levels. It is an indication of kidney disease and leads to kidney dysfunction. To decrease the creatinine levels, one should reduce eating a protein-rich diet, eat more fiber and avoid smoking. 

What is a low-fat cholesterol diet?

A low-fat cholesterol diet is generally recommended to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. To reduce the chances of heart attack and stroke. If you are on this diet, limit consuming egg yolks, red meat. Eat more lentils, tofu, dried beans, peas, and fish.