High Cholesterol – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that flows through the bloodstream. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly, as it helps build cell walls. However, when blood cholesterol levels get too high, health problems can develop.
When cholesterol levels rise too much, fatty deposits called plaque can form in the arteries. These deposits stick to artery walls and grow larger over time. This process gradually narrows the blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow freely.
The danger increases if a chunk of plaque breaks off. This can create a blood clot that might block blood flow completely, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke.
Some people inherit high cholesterol from their parents through genes. Many others develop it through lifestyle choices like:
- Not exercising regularly
- Eating an unbalanced diet
- Consuming too many foods high in saturated fat
High cholesterol is frequently manageable. Healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and sometimes medication can help bring cholesterol levels back to normal.
Signs and Symptoms
High cholesterol often goes unnoticed, as it typically presents no visible symptoms. The only way to detect high cholesterol is through a blood test. Without testing, you might have high cholesterol and not know it.
When to Visit a Healthcare Provider
Children should have their cholesterol checked once between ages 9 and 11. Earlier testing may be needed if a child has:
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Family history of heart attack or stroke
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Teens should get tested again between ages 17 and 21. Most adults need cholesterol screenings every 4 to 6 years.
More frequent testing is recommended for people who:
- Have high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Take cholesterol-lowering medications
- Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
If your test results show levels outside the healthy range, your healthcare provider might suggest more frequent testing. Regular cholesterol checks are an important part of preventive healthcare, even when you feel healthy.
Causes
High cholesterol often stems from lifestyle choices you can control. Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats may raise your cholesterol levels. Not exercising enough can also be a factor.
Some causes of high cholesterol aren’t in your control. These include:
- Genetic factors passed from parents to children.
- Medical conditions that affect cholesterol processing.
- Certain medications taken for other health issues.
Medical Conditions That Raise Cholesterol
Several health conditions can lead to higher cholesterol:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
- Kidney or liver disease (chronic)
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Underactive thyroid
- Lupus
- Being overweight or obese
- Sleep apnea
Medications that affect cholesterol
Some medicines can worsen cholesterol levels, including treatments for:
| Medical Issue | Examples |
|---|---|
| Acne | Some prescription treatments |
| Cancer | Certain therapies |
| High blood pressure | Some medications |
| HIV/AIDS | Specific antivirals |
| Heart rhythm problems | Select medications |
| Organ transplants | Anti-rejection drugs |
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol moves through your blood attached to proteins, forming lipoproteins. The main types are:
LDL (Low-density lipoprotein): Often called “bad” cholesterol because it builds up in artery walls, making them hard and narrow. When genetic changes cause high cholesterol, your body struggles to remove or break down LDL properly.
HDL (High-density lipoprotein): Known as “good” cholesterol because it collects excess cholesterol and returns it to your liver for removal.
Blood tests that check cholesterol usually measure triglycerides. These are fats in your blood that aren’t cholesterol but can also increase heart disease risk, like cholesterol, lifestyle choices affect your triglyceride levels.
What Causes High Cholesterol
Several factors can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol levels:
- Diet Choices: Consuming foods high in saturated fats (like fatty meats and full-fat dairy) or trans fats (found in some packaged snacks and desserts) can raise cholesterol levels in your blood.
- Weight Issues: Having excess body fat, especially around the waist, can lower good cholesterol and raise bad cholesterol.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Regular physical activity helps increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Not exercising enough can affect your cholesterol balance.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes can lower your HDL cholesterol levels, making it harder for your body to remove LDL cholesterol.
- Drinking Habits: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase total cholesterol levels. Men should limit intake to two drinks daily, while women should stick to one.
- Getting Older: Cholesterol levels naturally rise with age. After 40, your liver becomes less efficient at removing LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream.
Complications
High cholesterol can cause serious health problems as plaque builds up on artery walls. This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow throughout the body.
The reduced blood flow can lead to several dangerous conditions:
Chest Pain (Angina)
- Occurs when heart arteries are affected
- May feel like pressure or squeezing in the chest
- Often happens during physical activity
- Can be a warning sign of coronary artery disease
Heart Attack
When plaque breaks apart, blood clots can form. These clots may block blood flow to part of the heart, causing a heart attack. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Without quick treatment, heart muscle can suffer permanent damage.
Stroke
Similar to a heart attack, a stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked. Brain cells begin to die within minutes without oxygen. Warning signs include:
- Sudden numbness in the face or limbs
- Confusion or trouble speaking
- Vision problems
- Severe headache
- Difficulty walking
Early detection and treatment of high cholesterol can help prevent these serious complications. Regular checkups are important for monitoring cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Prevention
Keeping cholesterol levels in check starts with healthy lifestyle choices. These habits can help prevent high cholesterol from developing in the first place.
Eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to limit sodium and added sugars in your meals. Choose foods with healthy fats like fish, nuts, and olive or canola oil instead of saturated and trans fats.
Weight management plays an important role in cholesterol health. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise helps keep levels normal.
For those who smoke, quitting is strongly recommended. Talk to healthcare providers about effective cessation strategies.
Exercise recommendations:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes most days
- Choose activities you enjoy
- Start slowly if you’re new to exercise
Alcohol consumption should be moderate. Women should limit intake to one drink daily, while men should have no more than two drinks per day.
