Understanding Elevated Cholesterol: Symptoms and Management Strategies
High cholesterol often shows no symptoms but significantly increases heart disease risk. Management includes lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and medications. Regular health screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of severe complications like heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found throughout the body’s cells. Produced mainly by the liver, it plays a crucial role in synthesizing hormones, vitamin D, and aiding digestion. Cholesterol travels via lipoproteins—small particles in the bloodstream. Maintaining balanced levels helps prevent cardiovascular issues. However, excessive cholesterol can accumulate in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. There are two main types: low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which can cause blockages, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which help eliminate excess cholesterol from the body.
If LDL levels are high or HDL is low, fatty deposits may build in blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis. This condition narrows arteries and restricts blood flow. Blockages in coronary arteries can cause heart attacks, while those in cerebral arteries can lead to strokes. Symptoms may include chest pain and leg pain during activity. Management includes lifestyle changes, medications, and dietary adjustments, with options like regular exercise, quitting smoking, weight loss, and healthy eating habits. New treatments like injectable meds are also being explored for resistant cases. Routine checkups are vital for early detection, especially with a family history of heart disease.
