High cholesterol is a serious condition that can cause cholesterol to become lodged in the arteries of the heart. Many people assume they don't need to worry about cholesterol if they aren't over-weight or they avoid foods with saturated or trans fats. However, there are many factors that increase your risk for developing high cholesterol. By understanding more about cholesterol, you can take preventative measures to avoid a dangerous build-up of cholesterol in your arteries.
Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
Not all cholesterol is bad. The good kind of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, actually prevents cholesterol from clogging your arteries by removing excess LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, from your bloodstream. When LDL cholesterol becomes lodged in the arteries of your heart, it decreases oxygen-rich blood flow, which can cause heart attack or stroke. Increasing your HDL cholesterol levels helps prevent an accumulation of LDL-based plaques in your artery walls.
Lifestyle Considerations
Lifestyle plays an important role in preventing cholesterol from becoming stuck in the arteries of the heart. For example, smoking damages your arterial walls, making it easier for cholesterol to accumulate, warns MayoClinic.com. Lack of exercise increases your risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, all of which increase your risk for high cholesterol. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly and maintaining your weight with a healthy diet help to boost HDL levels, lower blood pressure and strengthen your heart, lowering your risk of cholesterol build-up.
Prevention and Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet can increase HDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease. Whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and healthy fats all raise HDL levels, in addition to offering essential nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Important sources of fiber, such as whole-grain foods, beans, vegetables and fruit, also lower LDL cholesterol by binding to it and removing excess LDL from your intestines, notes the Harvard School of Public Health.
Additional Considerations
High cholesterol has no symptoms and can only be detected with a blood test, so it is especially important to consult your physician if you have increased risk factors for high cholesterol. Individuals with dangerously high cholesterol or a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol may be unable to control the problem with dietary and lifestyle changes alone, warns the American Heart Association. Your physician can assess your risk levels and prescribe medications if lifestyle changes aren't working.
