High Cholesterol: How You Can Treat It

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in your blood. Your body makes cholesterol naturally, and it also comes from the foods you eat, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Cholesterol is essential for many bodily functions, such as building cell membranes and producing hormones. However, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

What causes high cholesterol?

There are several factors that can contribute to high cholesterol, including:

* Genetics: Some people are more likely to have high cholesterol than others, regardless of their lifestyle choices.

* Diet: Eating a diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, and low in fiber can increase your cholesterol levels.

* Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your cholesterol levels.

* Physical inactivity: Not getting enough regular exercise can increase your cholesterol levels.

* Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and can increase your cholesterol levels.

* Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have high cholesterol levels.

* Hypothyroidism: People with hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid gland, are more likely to have high cholesterol levels.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol usually does not cause any symptoms. The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to have a blood test.

How is high cholesterol treated?

The treatment for high cholesterol depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your condition. Treatment options may include:

* Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight, can help lower your cholesterol levels.

* Medications: Medications can be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in people who are unable to control their cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone.

How can I prevent high cholesterol?

You can help prevent high cholesterol by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:

* Eating a healthy diet: Eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose lean sources of protein, such as fish, chicken, and beans. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, and choose low-fat dairy products.

* Exercising regularly: Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

* Maintaining a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your cholesterol levels.

* Quitting smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and can increase your cholesterol levels.

* Managing your diabetes: If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar levels to help prevent high cholesterol.

* Managing your hypothyroidism: If you have hypothyroidism, it is important to take your medication as prescribed to help prevent high cholesterol.

If you have any of the risk factors for high cholesterol, it is important to talk to your doctor about how you can prevent and manage high cholesterol.