High cholesterol is caused by the build
up of excess fatty substances in the artery walls. Genetic
factors, mental stress, physical activities, changes
in weight also influence the level
of blood cholesterol. Too much of cholesterol in
your blood indicates that you have high blood cholesterol.
When you have high cholesterol, plague build up on the
walls of the arteries causing atherosclerosis. The arteries
narrow and harden, reducing blood flow to your heart.
Less blood and oxygen supply in your heart implies more
chances of heart attacks or chest pains.
At normal levels, cholesterol is an essential raw material
to build cell walls and produce hormones like oestrogen
and testosterone. At first, a doctor will prescribe
a diet. If your cholesterol levels have not decreased,
treatment would include medication too, which may include
diet
pills. The liver produces cholesterol and it's also
found in animal products like meats, eggs, milk and
cheese. Cholesterol becomes a health problem when our
body cannot eliminate excessive supplies of it.
Measure your Cholesterol Level
- Ideal level: cholesterol level in the blood less
than 5mmol/l
- Mildly high cholesterol level: between 5 to 6.4mmol/l
- Moderately high cholesterol level: between 6.5
to 7.8mmol/l
- Very high cholesterol level: above 7.8mmol/l
Causes of High Cholesterol
- Genetic influence [familial hypercholesterolemia]
- Geographical influences [ People in Northern European
countries are more cholesterol prone than Southern
European countries]
- Food habits
- Reduced metabolism
- Diabetes
- Alcohol abuse
High Cholesterol: Why Risk your Life?
High
cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis
and cardiovascular diseases. In the heart, coronary
arteries cause angina and ruptured plaques cause
coronary thrombosis. It could result in heart failures.
Prevent Vascular Diseases
- Give up smoking
- Alter your dietary habits
- Reduce the intake of alcohol
- Workouts are essential to keep you fit
- Control your weight. Obesity can be life threatening
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