High cholesterol is no laughing matter. It can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. The main culprit is low-density liporotein, or LDL, otherwise known as "the bad cholesterol." The good news is you can prevent and treat this condition, but you must care enough about yourself and your health.
Dangers of High LDL
LDL is a special protein that binds to cholesterol, transporting it to and from the cells of your body. The more cholesterol your body produces, the higher your LDL levels. Over time, the excess LDL builds up along the walls of your arteries, the source of blood flow to your heart and brain. This build up of LDL forms what is known as plaque, hard deposits that narrow the walls of your arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis. The more narrow your artery walls, the more likely the chance of blood clot formation, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke due to lack of blood flow to the heart.
Risk Factors
A number of risk factors increases your risk of high LDL cholesterol. Knowing these factors can help prevent you from developing this condition. Smoking damages your blood vessel walls, making it easier for LDL to attach itself along the walls of your blood vessels. High blood pressure does the same -- it damages the walls of your arteries, increasing your risk for plaque formation. Obesity is another common factor. The more you weigh, the higher your cholesterol, and lack of exercise increases your levels of LDL. Your liver is the primary source of cholesterol -- the foods you eat are secondary. Making poor choices, such as fried food or food high in fat and calories, can increase your LDL cholesterol quickly.
Diagnosing High LDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol, good or bad, shows no symptoms. The only way to detect unhealthy levels is through a blood test known as a lipid profile, a test your doctor must order. You generally have to fast at least 12 hours prior to the test. Since the test is usually done in the morning, this means nothing to eat or drink, with the exception of water, after midnight the day before. As MayoClinic.com explains, the target range for a healthy LDL level depends upon the person. In most cases it is 130 mg/dL, however, if you have any risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may set your target range for 100 mg/dL instead. If your LDL is too high, your physician will discuss various forms of treatment.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Before prescribing cholesterol-lowering medications, most doctors prefer for you to make lifestyle and dietary changes. If you need to lose weight, he can help devise a healthy eating plan specific to your needs. Exercise is a must; 30 minutes a day of low-impact aerobics such as walking, biking or swimming. Cutting back on saturated fats such as red meat, whole-fat dairy and egg yolks. Eating more fiber such oats, whole-grain bread, fruits and vegetables. These help absorb excess cholesterol in your intestine, flushing them from your body. Increasing your intake of fish helps as well. Tuna, salmon, halibut and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids; these protect you against heart disease while lowering your cholesterol.
Add a Cholesterol-Lowering Medication
Statins are the class of drugs most commonly prescribed for lowering high levels of LDL, according to MayoClinic.com. These slow cholesterol production and help clear excess cholesterol from your blood and arteries. More than one statin is available; if one is not effective, your doctor may prescribe another. It takes approximately four to six weeks before maximum effects are seen.
