While a dinner of hamburgers, French fries, soda and ice cream sounds like a delicious meal, eating this type of diet regularly can have a significant impact on your cholesterol and the health of your heart. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and high cholesterol is known to increase your risk of coronary heart disease. Fortunately, dietary and other lifestyle changes can lower your cholesterol and your risk of health complications related to high cholesterol.
Background
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is used as fuel for your body, but excess cholesterol can build up in your arteries. Arteries carry blood to vital organs such as your heart and this buildup, or atherosclerosis, can reduce blood flow to these organs. Your total cholesterol level should be less than 200mg/dL and your LDL, or low density lipoprotein, cholesterol should be less than 100mg/dL. LDL cholesterol is commonly called "bad" cholesterol because it builds up in the artery walls. HDL, or high density lipoprotein, is termed "good" cholesterol because it helps to prevent plaque. Target levels of HDL are over 50mg/dL for women and 40mg/dL for men.
Types
In addition to causing atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, high cholesterol can have a similar effect on arteries leading to the brain, kidneys, intestines or any other vital organ. If the atherosclerosis is not completely occluding the artery, it can cause ischemia, or reduced oxygen flow. For example, your heart requires more oxygen during exercise and may become ischemic if you have atherosclerosis. You may notice symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath when you attempt to exert yourself. A heart attack occurs if the coronary arteries are completely blocked, and a stroke occurs if blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Increased Risk
You have an increased risk of heart disease related to high cholesterol if you also have other risk factors for heart disease. Smoking may damage the walls of your arteries and also lowers HDL cholesterol, promoting atherosclerosis. Obesity increases your risk of heart disease and of high cholesterol. Inactivity results in a higher LDL cholesterol and a lower HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar levels from diabetes have a similar effect and also damage the lining of your arteries.
Prevention
The health risks associated with high cholesterol can be ameliorated with improvement of your cholesterol profile. A diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol while increasing soluble fiber can lower LDL cholesterol. Foods that are high in saturated fat include red meat, high-fat dairy products and many processed foods. Excellent soluble fiber sources include oats, fruits and vegetables. Physical activity, such as 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days, can raise your HDL cholesterol while lowering your LDL cholesterol. The combination of dietary changes and in increase in exercise promotes weight loss, which can lower LDL and total cholesterol. If these changes do not lower your cholesterol sufficiently, your physician may recommend a medication to assist you. With lifestyle modifications and guidance from your health care provider, you should be able to avoid complications associated with high cholesterol.
