Cholesterol is a waxy material produced by the liver and found in certain foods. While a high cholesterol level in the blood does not cause symptoms, it can lead to health problems that can change the way you live your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 17 percent of American adults have high cholesterol as of 2011. Consult your doctor and have a blood test to determine the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
Types of Cholesterol in the Blood
Blood cholesterol levels are measured through a blood test that looks for types of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins, a type of protein, carry the cholesterol through the body in the blood. Low-density lipoproteins, also known as bad cholesterol or LDL, can build up in your arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. Very-low-density lipoproteins, often referred to as triglycerides, increase the size of LDL cholesterol molecules and increase the narrowing of your arteries. High-density lipoproteins, also know as good cholesterol or HDL, carry excess cholesterol to your liver for disposal and can help decrease the narrowing of your arteries. Blood tests for cholesterol look at total cholesterol, LDL levels and HDL levels. A healthy cholesterol test shows total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL, LDL levels below 100 mg/dL, HDL levels above 40 mg/dL and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL.
High Blood Cholesterol Complications
The narrowing and hardening of your arteries caused by high cholesterol levels can decrease the amount of blood able to reach your brain and heart and cause complications such as chest pain, coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Chest pain occurs when plaque build-up limits the supply of blood to your heart. Coronary heart disease indicates the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen, nutrients and blood. When plaque completely blocks the small arteries of the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke occurs.
Other Effects of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels or a diagnosis of high cholesterol complications may cause feelings of fear, increased stress, anxiety and depression, explains Dr. Luisito Dingcong, a psychiatrist at Bright Horizons in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Fear of a heart attack or stroke may decrease your motivation to exercise. The safety of exercise also decreases. Discuss the safety of exercise and proper exercise intensity with your doctor. Also consult your doctor if stress, anxiety or depression start to interfere with your daily life.
Controlling Cholesterol Levels
High blood cholesterol levels result from inactivity, obesity, poor diet and genetics. Help control your cholesterol levels by limiting your cholesterol intake to less than 200 to 300mg each day, eating more whole grains, eating more fish, eliminating sources of trans fats, limiting your intake of saturated fat, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and decreasing your intake of alcohol. Keep active on most days of the week to decrease your cholesterol levels even further.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About High Blood Cholesterol; February 2010
- MayoClinic.com; High cholesterol: Causes; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 2010
- Luisito Dingcong; Bright Horizons; Clearfield, Pennsylvania
- MayoClinic.com; High cholesterol: Lifestyle and home remedies; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 24, 2010
