High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. It is produced by the liver and we also get it from certain foods we eat. Cholesterol is needed by your body to build healthy cells. However, too much cholesterol in your blood and body places one at risk for heart disease.
Cholesterol is carried in the blood by proteins forming what is known as lipoprotein when the cholesterol attaches to the protein.
When you go for blood work therefore to check on cholesterol, it is better to get the Lipid panel as that panel gives you more information than just the cholesterol level. It is also important to do an 8-hour fasting blood sample.
The Lipid panel consists of:
A. Total cholesterol: Fatty waxy substance in the blood
B. Triglycerides: This is also a type of fat in the blood. When elevated can cause heart disease
C. High density Lipoprotein (HDL)(Referred to as Good cholesterol): This takes cholesterol out of the blood stream to the liver
D. Low density lipoprotein (LDL)(Referred to as bad cholesterol): These cause deposition of cholesterol particles in the walls of the blood vessels
What is considered to be high cholesterol or Hyperlipidemia (High Lipids)?
• Cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dl(5.17mmol/L)
• Triglycerides greater than 150 mg/dl (1.7mmol/l)
• LDL greater than 100 mg/dl (2.6mmol/L)
• HDL of less than 40 mg/dl (1 mmol/L)
Causes of high blood cholesterol:
• Liver producing too much cholesterol
• Genetic diseases or inherited disorders leading to high cholesterol production
• Eating foods high in cholesterol like red meat, liver, shrimps, butter, cheeses
Symptoms of High Cholesterol:
High cholesterol has no symptoms
Diagnosis of high Cholesterol:
This is by blood test. A 6 to 8 hour fast prior to the blood draw is recommended.
Harmful effects of high cholesterol:
• Heart Attacks
• Strokes
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)(blockages of the blood vessels of the limbs)
Risk factors for high cholesterol:
• Poor diet including saturated fat in animal products and trans fats in certain foods as cookies or biscuits
• Obesity with BMI greater than 30
• Smoking
• Poor exercise patterns or lack of exercise
• Advancing Age
• Diabetes
Prevention of Elevated Cholesterol:
Manage stress
Exercise
Quit smoking
Moderate alcohol use
Eat appropriately avoiding processed foods
Francis Obeng MD
Alfa Medical Clinic PA