In the United States, high cholesterol has become a significant problem, affecting nearly 94 million¹ individuals aged 20 and older. High cholesterol can go unnoticed for an extended period, as it rarely manifests symptoms.
If you're having trouble figuring out what high cholesterol is or how to tell whether you have it, a lipoprotein panel blood draw can assist you in determining your cholesterol levels. This test is most accurate if you fast 8 to 12 hours before the test.
We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Cholesterol, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available - and be a part of finding a cure.
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance found in all of your body's cells. It is made naturally by the liver, but it can also be found in some foods, like meat and dairy products. Cholesterol is necessary for producing cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D in the body.
Cholesterol does not dissolve in water; therefore, it cannot flow through your bloodstream on its own. As a result, your liver generates lipoproteins, which are fat and protein-based particles that transport cholesterol and another form of lipid, triglycerides, through the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are the two main types of lipoprotein.
Any cholesterol transported by low-density lipoproteins is referred to as LDL cholesterol. When the blood contains too much LDL cholesterol, you may be diagnosed with high cholesterol. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to various health problems, including coronary artery disease.
LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to the cells of the body. LDL cholesterol can develop on arterial walls, forming cholesterol plaque if your levels are too high.
Cholesterol plaque is a deposit that can clog your arteries, reduce blood flow, and increase your risk of blood clots. Coronary artery disease occurs when a blood clot slows or stops blood flow in your heart or brain artery.
HDL cholesterol is often known as "good cholesterol." It aids in the removal of cholesterol from the blood vessels by returning it to your liver, thus reducing the buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. HDL cholesterol levels that are healthy can help reduce the risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.
Another form of lipid is triglycerides.²
When you consume excess calories, mainly from high carbohydrate foods, those calories are converted to triglycerides. Triglycerides are stored in fat cells and can later be released for energy.
A high triglyceride level can put you at risk for various illnesses, such as heart disease and stroke.
Physicians classify cholesterol levels as desirable, borderline high, or high cholesterol:
Less than 200 mg/dL is categorized as desirable
200–239 mg/dL is classified as borderline high
240 mg/dL and above is classified as high
They may also classify LDL cholesterol as optimal to high, as indicated below:
Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal
100–129 mg/dL as near-optimal
130–159 mg/dL is borderline high
160–189 mg/dL is high
190 mg/dL and above is very high
These are approximate figures, and it is upon you and your doctor to consider other personal aspects such as lifestyle and health conditions before settling on a treatment strategy.
High cholesterol is usually a "quiet" problem. It doesn't usually exhibit symptoms. Therefore, one is likely to remain unaware of its existence until one develops conditions such as coronary artery illness.
That's why it's critical to get your cholesterol checked regularly. If you're over 20 years old, check with your doctor if you should undergo a routine cholesterol check.
High cholesterol, if left untreated, can result in plaque buildup in the arteries, which can reduce blood flow through these arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis. This disease results in lower blood flow in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. These conditions can be life-threatening.
Certain factors may lead to high cholesterol levels. Below are some of the factors that can affect a person’s cholesterol level and one’s risk factors for developing the disease.
High cholesterol levels can result from a variety of factors, such as:
Consuming cholesterol-rich, saturated-fat-rich, and trans-fat-rich foods raise the risk of developing high cholesterol. Obesity can also make you more vulnerable, while inactivity and smoking are other lifestyle variables that might contribute to high cholesterol.
Your genetics can also leave you more susceptible to developing high cholesterol. Parents pass on their genes to their children. Your body receives instructions from specific genes on metabolizing cholesterol and lipids. If one or both of your relatives have high cholesterol, you may be more likely to develop it.
This hereditary condition leaves your body unable to remove LDL from the bloodstream. Most persons with familial hypercholesterolemia have total cholesterol levels of more than 300 mg/dL and LDL values of more than 200 mg/dL.
Diabetes and hypothyroidism, for example, can raise your chances of getting high cholesterol and its problems.
The following are some risk factors for high cholesterol:
High cholesterol may be more common in certain races. Blacks, for example, have greater HDL and LDL cholesterol levels than white people.
As you become older, your cholesterol levels tend to rise. Younger adults, such as kids and teenagers, can also have high cholesterol, though it is less prevalent.
High cholesterol levels in the blood can run in families.
Obesity or being overweight increases your cholesterol level.
Your doctor may recommend drugs to help you reduce your cholesterol levels in some instances.
The most typically given drugs for high cholesterol are statins which mainly consist of atorvastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, and rosuvastatin. They reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver.
Other high-cholesterol medications that your doctor may give include:
Bile acid resins or sequestrants, such as colesevelam (Welchol), colestipol (Colestid), or cholestyramine (Prevalite)
Niacin
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe (Zetia)
PCSK9 inhibitors, such as alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha), which are injection forms
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor might suggest adjustments such as eating foods low in cholesterol and exercising regularly. They will also most certainly urge you to quit smoking.
Reducing your dietary fat intake is a vital first step in lowering your cholesterol level, regardless of the level.
Your doctor may recommend an effective diet that involves:
Reducing your intake of cholesterol-rich, saturated-fat-rich, and trans-fat-rich foods
Picking lean protein sources, including chicken, fish, and lentils
Consuming a diverse range of high-fiber foods, like vegetables, whole grains, and fruits
Eating baked, broiled, stewed, grilled, or roasted dishes instead of fried ones
Avoiding fast food and fatty, pre-packaged meals
Cholesterol-rich, saturated-fat-rich, and trans-fat-rich foods include:
Items that are deep-fried, such as potato chips, onion rings, and fried chicken, and baked pastries, such as cookies and muffins
Red meat, organ meats, egg yolks, and high-fat dairy products are all high in saturated fat
Cocoa butter or palm oil-based processed foods
Consuming other omega-3-fatty-acid-rich foods can also help decrease your LDL levels. For instance, herring, mackerel, and salmon are high in omega-3s. Avocados, walnuts, ground flaxseeds, and almonds also contain omega-3s.
While it is not possible to reduce your hereditary risk factors for high cholesterol, lifestyle variables can be controlled.
To reduce your chances of acquiring high cholesterol, do the following:
Avoid smoking
Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fiber and low in cholesterol and animal fats
Maintain a healthy body weight
Avoid excessive alcohol usage
Exercise regularly
For routine cholesterol screening, adhere to your doctor's advice. If you're at risk for high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, they'll probably recommend that you have your cholesterol levels checked regularly.
If you're over the age of 20, you should have your cholesterol levels examined every 4 to 6 years because high cholesterol rarely manifests symptoms. It's also good to have your cholesterol levels reviewed more frequently if you have a history of high cholesterol or other heart disease risk factors.
High cholesterol occurs when your body produces too much LDL cholesterol. In most cases, the ailment has no symptoms, making it difficult for people to recognize that they have it. If the illness is not treated, it can lead to significant health issues like coronary artery disease and stroke.
Your doctor can assist you in managing this illness and, in many circumstances, prevent consequences. Asking your doctor to examine your cholesterol levels is the only way to determine if you have high cholesterol. Inquire about your treatment choices if you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol.
Adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors and stick to your doctor's medication plan to reduce your chance of high cholesterol issues.
Sources
High cholesterol facts | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Triglycerides | MedlinePlus
Other sources:
Cholesterol levels: What you need to know | MedlinePlus
Coronary artery disease | MedlinePlus
LDL and HDL cholesterol: "Bad" and "Good" cholesterol | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atherosclerosis | MedlinePlus
Cholesterol levels | MedlinePlus
Cholesterol | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cholesterol | MedlinePlus
About familial hypercholesterolemia | National Institute of Health
Diabetes and your heart | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothyroidism (Underactive thyroid) | National Institute of Health
High cholesterol in children and teens | MedlinePlus
Cholesterol-lowering medicine | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How to lower cholesterol with diet | MedlinePlus
We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Cholesterol, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available - and be a part of finding a cure.