High cholesterol is a silent disease and may not produce any symptoms until it is too late. To keep your cholesterol in check, have it tested every five years beginning at the age of 20. High cholesterol is characterized by levels of total cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dL. Low density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is the molecule that delivers cholesterol to your tissues. Since LDL keeps cholesterol in your body, it is known as the "bad" cholesterol and should be kept under 100 mg/dL. High density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, is referred to as "good" cholesterol because it works to pick up cholesterol in your blood and deliver it to the liver, where it is excreted. HDL cholesterol helps reduce your overall cholesterol levels and ideally should remain above 60 mg/dL. Early detection of elevated blood cholesterol can help reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis
The biggest problem associated with high cholesterol is the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the arteries, primarily caused by a buildup of cholesterol, that inhibits blood flow. Your arteries are responsible for providing blood to all parts of your body. Cholesterol can begin to accumulate inside your arterial walls and block blood flow.
Heart Disease
When atherosclerosis occurs inside the arteries that provide blood to your heart, you may have coronary artery disease, a serious condition that can affect the performance and health of your heart. Without adequate blood flow, you risk suffering from a heart attack. If cholesterol builds up in one of your peripheral arteries, it may burst, causing a blood clot to travel through your arteries, eventually getting to the heart and causing a heart attack. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, the higher your cholesterol, specifically your LDL levels, the greater your risk of having a heart attack. An elevated level of LDL is considered greater than 130 mg/dL. Ideally, your LDL should remain less than 100 mg/dL.
Stroke
Cholesterol buildup on the inside of the carotid arteries can contribute to your risk of a stroke. The carotid arteries supply your brain cells with the blood, oxygen and nutrients your brain needs. When normal blood flow to the brain is inhibited, certain areas of the brain that are affected can die. Brain cell death can lead to brain damage.
Diabetes and Blood Pressure
According to the American Diabetes Association, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose are all interrelated. If your cholesterol is high, it is likely that your blood glucose levels and blood pressure are also high. This triad of chronic disease can wreck havoc on your risk for heart disease. Taking steps to improve your cholesterol may also improve your glucose levels and blood pressure.
Reducing Your Cholesterol
Your cholesterol can be reduced and controlled by leading a healthy lifestyle. Reducing your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight all contribute to lowering your cholesterol levels. Don't just stand by if you have high cholesterol -- be proactive at reducing your levels and improving your health.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What is High Blood Cholesterol
- National Stroke Association: Stroke Risk Reduction -- High Cholesterol
- National Stroke Association: What is Stroke?
- American Diabetes Association: All About Cholesterol
- American Heart Association: How to Get Your Cholesterol Tested
