1. Hyper What?
Hypercholesterolemia is the medical term for high cholesterol. High cholesterol occurs when the amount of total cholesterol in your blood exceeds 240 or if the LDL is higher than 40. Cholesterol readings consist of a total cholesterol reading, which is the amount of HDL and LDL cholesterol in your blood. HDL is high-density lipoprotein and is considered the good or "hero" cholesterol. LDL is the low-density cholesterol and is considered the bad or "low life" cholesterol. "Hero" and "low life" are terms used to help you remember the good and bad cholesterol.
2. Hypercholesterolemia Has a Family History
High cholesterol can be affected by your genetic makeup, and you are more at risk for complications if a close family member has hypercholesterolemia. A major cause of high cholesterol is a diet high in fat, especially trans fat and saturated fats. Obesity, drinking too much alcohol and lack of exercise also contribute to complications from high cholesterol. Hypothyroidism, kidney disease and Cushings Syndrome may also cause high cholesterol. Surprisingly, some medications may contribute to a high cholesterol reading, including steroids, some diuretics and beta blockers, birth control medications and hormones.
3. But I Feel Fine
Left untreated, high cholesterol can cause serious complications. Cholesterol is a fatty like substance that your body produces to help in the formation of hormones and is a building block in every cell in your body. When we add cholesterol to our bodies through high fat foods, too much cholesterol circulates in our bloodstream. As the high levels of cholesterol circulate, it may harden and attach to the artery and blood vessel walls, causing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Athersclerosis reduces blood flow and can cause a heart attack or stroke.
4. Don't Be Confused by the Fats
An easy way to remember which fat is saturated or not is to remember that saturated fats come from animal sources, while unsaturated fats (healthier) come from plant sources. Saturated fats do not have to be totally eliminated from your diet, but limit the amount to between 7 and 10 percent of your total daily calories. Some fats are good for you, such as those found in salmon and walnuts. Fats are an important part of your diet and should make up between 25 to 35 percent of your daily calorie intake. Your total intake of cholesterol should be between 200 to 300 milligrams a day. The increased fiber in fruits and vegetables also helps to lower cholesterol and supply your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Change your breads, pasta and cereals to whole grains to increase fiber and lower cholesterol. Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as egg yolks, organ meat and whole milk should be eaten in moderation.
5. The Good News
Hypercholesterolemia can be controlled by eating a heart-healthy diet and getting regular exercise, along with taking cholesterol lowering drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Niacin, a B vitamin, has been shown to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
