Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that is transported through your arteries in lipids called lipoproteins. While some cholesterol allows your body to synthesize important vitamins and hormones, too much cholesterol in your arteries can lead to atherosclerosis, which is characterized by a hardening and thickening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Risk Factors
Many factors within your control, otherwise known as controllable risk factors, play a role in high cholesterol in your arteries. These controllable risk factors include an unhealthy diet that is high in fat and cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle and harmful lifestyle habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
Other risk factors for high cholesterol are out of your control. These risk factors include family history of heart disease and diabetes.
Diagnosis
High cholesterol in your arteries does not produce any physical symptoms. This is why heart disease is often referred to as a "silent killer." The only way to determine if you have high cholesterol is to undergo a blood test called a lipid panel. A lipid panel provides you with three separate readings for cholesterol: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.
If your total cholesterol falls between 200 and 239 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter of blood), it is considered borderline high. Total cholesterol that exceeds 239 mg/dL is high. LDL cholesterol levels between 130 and 159 mg/dL are described as borderline high, whereas levels of 160 mg/dL or higher are high.
Considerations
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is different from LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, in that in helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries instead of depositing cholesterol on your arterial walls. Because of this, the goal with HDL is to get your numbers as high as possible. The American Heart Association defines HDL of 60 mg/dL or higher as protective against heart disease.
Treatment
Many people are able to successfully lower cholesterol levels with diet and lifestyle changes. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet can help lower cholesterol levels significantly. In addition, adopting a regular exercise routine and avoiding smoking and too much drinking can help lower your cholesterol levels.
If diet and lifestyle changes are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend a cholesterol-lowering medication or combination of medications that can help lower your cholesterol levels. It is important to note that even if your doctor prescribes medication, you should continue to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. Medications are meant to complement these changes, not act as a substitute for them.
