Cholesterol is one of the elements that is part of the composition of the human body. It is necessary for your body to run efficiently like any other components such as vitamins, minerals, nutrients, etc. However, high cholesterol is not good for the body. Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that’s present in the fat cells of the body. The body requires cholesterol for building healthy cells. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol is needed by the body to continue building healthy cells but in proportion. High cholesterol may lead to severe heart problems; it may lead to fatty deposits in the blood cells. The fatty deposit makes it difficult for the blood to flow through the arteries. The heart is not able to get oxygen-rich blood that it needs. This greatly increases the risk of heart attacks. The decreased blood flow to the brain could cause a stroke. Many people have high cholesterol levels that are inherited, but that may happen due to unhealthy living. These problems if, from the beginning are handled well can be prevented and can be treated.

A diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables along with proportionate fat elements is essential for the body. Along with a healthy diet, it is important to have regular exercise. There are medications that help in reducing the high cholesterol levels.

Symptoms of high cholesterol

There are basically no symptoms of high cholesterol; a simple blood test is a definitive way to detect high cholesterol levels. One can ask a doctor if they should have a cholesterol test, these are based according to your age group. The retesting can be done every five years if the reports are not on par, then doctors may suggest some other tests to be undertaken. Having a family history of cholesterol, doctors may suggest regular tests, also your lifestyle and other heart conditions ailments will have an impact on the necessity and frequency of testing.

Causes of high cholesterol

Cholesterol is carried in the blood, it is attached to proteins, the combination of both is called lipoprotein. There are different types of cholesterol depending on the type of cholesterol the lipoprotein carries.

Types of cholesterol-

• Low-density lipoprotein

  – LDL or bad cholesterol transports the cholesterol particles throughout the body. The LDL builds up in the walls of arteries that makes them hard and narrow.

• High-density lipoprotein

  – HDL or good cholesterol absorbs the excess cholesterol taking it back to the liver.

Many lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating, inactivity, and obesity may lead to high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol levels. High cholesterol comes from food that you eat and is also made by the liver. The factors that further lead to high cholesterol are family history, lack of exercise, obesity, poor diet or a diet that is rich in saturated fats.

Eating a low salt diet including fruits, whole grains and vegetables prevents high cholesterol. Also exercising regularly and quitting smoking can be beneficial.

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