The Dangers of High Cholesterol Levels

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Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance produced by the liver. Essential body functions need cholesterol. It plays a significant role in the production of some hormones required in the body cell structure.

High cholesterol levels occur when you eat food containing high saturated fats. It can also occur due to genetics if someone in the family has a history of having high cholesterol levels. In high concentrations, cholesterol is dangerous.

Two Types Of Cholesterol

1. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

It cleans the arteries and transports the cholesterol to the liver.

2. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

It clogs the arteries and causes plaque build-up. Eventually, it may lead to complete blockage of the arteries.

Cholesterol levels are tested through measuring the levels if lipids in your blood. High cholesterol levels have an adverse impact on your health and need to be controlled as early as possible.

The Risks Of High Cholesterol Levels

1. Coronary heart disease

When cholesterol builds up in arteries, it is known as atherosclerosis. It causes hardening of the arteries. The arteries become narrow, slowing blood flow to the heart muscle. If the arteries become completely blocked, one may suffer a heart attack.

2. Stroke

Due to atherosclerosis, arteries carrying blood and oxygen to the brain may become narrowed or blocked. The lowered supply of oxygen to the brain causes the brain cells to damage or die leading to stroke.

3. High blood pressure (Hypertension)

When the arteries get narrowed or blocked with cholesterol, the heart strains to pump blood through these vessels. The strain in pumping blood causes blood pressure to get higher than normal.

4. Peripheral arterial disease

Plaque also interferes with blood flow to your arms and legs leading to peripheral arterial disease. Numbness and pains characterize this. It also increases the risk infections to the limbs.

How To Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

1. Medicine

Statins are medications taken to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. They are highly recommended for people who are at a high risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Simvastatin is a common medicine used to reduce LDL and triglycerides in the blood while increasing the levels of HDL.

Simvastatin should only be taken according to dosing instructions given by the doctor. If taken in large amounts or longer than the period recommended by your doctor, it may cause serious side effects.

2. Change lifestyle

Eat Healthy Food

Greasy and fatty food are the primary cause of high cholesterol levels. These food increase the levels of cholesterol in your body. Therefore, ensure that you avoid fatty foods and instead take fruits, vegetables, and food high in fiber in plenty on a daily basis.

Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids naturally lower cholesterol levels in the body. They are found in walnuts, avocado, fish and pumpkin seeds.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercises help to maintain a healthy body weight. Excess body weight increases the LDL levels. During exercises, we sweat and use some of the fats and calories stored in our bodies. A healthy diet combined with daily exercises help in maintaining a healthy body weight hence reduce the risks of high levels of cholesterol in the body.

Conclusion

High cholesterol levels have an adverse impact on your health and need to be controlled as early as possible. Getting regular check-ups ensures that you succeed in keeping cholesterol levels to acceptable levels. Taking the prescribed medicine, eating a healthy diet and working out will help in lowering the high cholesterol levels.