Warning Signs of High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of lipid necessary for many functions in the body. The liver produces some cholesterol, but most comes from foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The three factors affecting cholesterol levels are diet, genetics, and lifestyle habits.

• Diet can significantly affect your cholesterol levels, so it’s essential to eat healthily and avoid high-fat foods.
• Genetics also plays a role because some people have genetic mutations that affect their ability to metabolize cholesterol or regulate their weight, which can lead to higher cholesterol levels.
• Lifestyle habits such as smoking or not exercising can also increase your risk for high cholesterol levels by reducing HDL (good) cholesterol.

What Is the Difference Between LDL and HDL

Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body needs to function properly. It is found in some foods, but the body can produce some cholesterol on its own. There are two kinds of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL Cholesterol: LDL cholesterol is also known as “bad” cholesterol.  This is because it builds up in arteries.  It will eventually cause them to harden, leading to heart disease. This type of cholesterol can be lowered by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.

HDL Cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is also known as “good” cholesterol.  This is because it helps remove LDL from arteries. This type of cholesterol can be raised by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.

The Warning Signs of High Cholesterol – Knowing the Signs is Half the Battle!

In the United States, high cholesterol is a major health issue. In fact, it is estimated that about 1 in 3 adults has high cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease or stroke.

There are many warning signs of high cholesterol that people should be aware of. One of these signs is a family history of heart disease or stroke before age 55. Other warning signs include a personal history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, or a lipid disorder.

The warning signs of high cholesterol are often overlooked. They include weight gain, high blood pressure, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. It is essential to know the warning signs to prevent any further complications. Always check with your doctor if you have a family history of cholesterol issues or exhibiting any of the warning signs we have discussed.

What Happens When Cholesterol is Too High?

High cholesterol is a medical condition in which cholesterol levels in the blood are too high. It can lead to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a disease that occurs when fat builds up along the walls of your arteries and makes them thick and narrow. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through them, leading to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

The risk of atherosclerosis increases if you have high cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.

If you have any of these risk factors for atherosclerosis and are over age 20, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your risk and what you can do to lower your risks.

To learn more about what you can do to better manage your high cholesterol, contact Prime Medical Associates to book your appointment today!