High Cholesterol
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OVERVIEW
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you eat. This includes eggs, meats, and dairy. There is “good” (HDL) cholesterol and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol can be bad for your health.
What is the difference between “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol?
Good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol.
If your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at greater risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, you’re probably not at higher risk.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body can use, it turns the extra calories into triglycerides.
Changing your lifestyle (diet and exercise) can improve your cholesterol levels, lower LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL.
Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease.
SYMPTOMS
Often, there are no specific symptoms of high cholesterol. You could have high cholesterol and not know it.
If you have high cholesterol, your body may store the extra cholesterol in your arteries. These are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. A buildup of cholesterol in your arteries is known as plaque. Over time, plaque can become hard and make your arteries narrow. Large deposits of plaque can completely block an artery. Cholesterol plaques can also break apart, leading to formation of a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood.
A blocked artery to the heart can cause a heart attack. A blocked artery to your brain can cause a stroke.
Many people don’t discover that they have high cholesterol until they suffer one of these life-threatening events. Some people find out through routine check-ups that include blood tests.
CAUSES
Your liver produces cholesterol, but you also get cholesterol from food. Eating too many foods that are high in fat can increase your cholesterol level.
Being overweight and inactive also causes high cholesterol. If you are overweight, you most likely have a higher level of triglycerides. If you never exercise and aren’t active in general, it can lower your HDL (good cholesterol).
Your family history also affects your cholesterol level. Research has shown that high cholesterol tends to run in families. If you have an immediate family member who has it, you could have it, too.
Smoking also causes high cholesterol. It lowers your HDL (good cholesterol).
DIAGNOSIS & TESTS
How is high cholesterol diagnosed?
You can’t tell if you have high cholesterol without having it checked. A simple blood test will reveal your cholesterol level.
Men 40 years of age and older should have their cholesterol checked. Women aged 50 and older or who are post-menopausal should also have their cholesterol checked. People who have heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure or who have a family history of heart disease or stroke also need their levels checked. Ask your healthcare provider how often you should have your cholesterol checked.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
- Cigarette smoking
- High blood pressure
- Older age
- Having an immediate family member (parent or sibling) who has had heart disease
- Being overweight or having obesity
- Inactivity
A blood test known as a lipid panel is usually the way cholesterol is checked. Tests may include:
- HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) – good to have a high number
- LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) – good to have a low number
- Non HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol) – good to have a low number
- Triglycerides – high reading may be tracked over time
Source: Heart and Stroke Canada
PREVENTION
Making healthy food choices and exercising are two ways to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol.
Eat fewer foods with saturated fats (such as red meat and most dairy products). Choose healthier fats. This includes lean meats, avocados, nuts, and low-fat dairy items. Avoid foods that contain trans fat (such as fried and packaged foods). Look for foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include salmon, herring, walnuts, and almonds. Some egg brands contain omega-3.
Exercise can be simple. Go for a walk. Take a yoga class. Ride your bike to work. You could even participate in a team sport. Aim to get 30 minutes of activity every day.
TREATMENT
If you have high cholesterol, it may be necessary for you to make some lifestyle changes. If you smoke, quit. Exercise regularly. If you’re overweight, losing just 5 to 10 pounds (2-5 kg) can help improve your cholesterol levels. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish- all of which promote heart health. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels. Also limit your overall cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams per day and 200 milligrams if you have heart disease.
Depending on your risk factors, if healthy eating and exercise don’t work to lower your cholesterol level, your healthcare provider may suggest medicine.
Living with high cholesterol If you have high cholesterol, you are twice as likely to develop heart disease. That is why it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Reducing your LDL “bad cholesterol” through good diet, exercise, and medicine can make a positive impact on your overall health.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Toll Free 1-888-473-4636
56531