High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver and is necessary for many bodily functions, such as building cell membranes and producing hormones. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can build up in the walls of the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Causes: High cholesterol can be caused by several factors, including:

• A diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Lack of exercise
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Genetics
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid gland.

Symptoms: High cholesterol usually does not cause any symptoms on its own, but over time, it can lead to the development of heart disease, which can cause symptoms such as:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Sweating

Treatments: Treatment for high cholesterol typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include:

• Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Getting regular exercise, such as 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower cholesterol levels, medication may be prescribed, such as:

• Statins: These drugs work by blocking a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol.
• Bile acid-binding resins: These drugs help your body excrete cholesterol by binding to bile acids.
• Ezetimibe: This drug blocks the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These drugs help lower LDL cholesterol levels by blocking the action of a protein that impairs the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Prevention: The best way to prevent high cholesterol is to adopt a healthy lifestyle early on. This includes:

• Eating a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Getting regular exercise, such as 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Managing other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels.

Regular cholesterol screenings are also important, especially for people who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.