Cholesterol is one of the major causes of heart attack. Every day we knowingly or unknowingly eat many things which can cause increase in bad cholesterol. You should recognize the early signs before it’s too late.
High cholesterol i.e. increasing cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of heart related problems. From unbalanced eating habits to physical inactivity can contribute to increasing cholesterol. In such a situation, it is very important to be conscious about it. Many physical symptoms are seen with increasing cholesterol (signs of high cholesterol), while over time these symptoms can cause serious problems. In such a situation, it is very important to understand the initial symptoms of increasing cholesterol, so that the problem can be controlled in the beginning itself (how to maintain cholesterol level).
Today, with Health Shots, we will know about some common signs seen with increasing cholesterol level, which if taken care of in time, can prevent it from turning into a serious disease (signs of high cholesterol).
First understand what is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a condition in which too much lipid (fat) accumulates in your blood. It is also called hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia. Your body needs the right amount of lipids to function. If the amount of lipids in your body increases, your body is unable to use them all, and the extra lipids start accumulating in your arteries. These combine with other substances in your blood to form plaque, i.e. fat accumulation.
Over time, plaque builds up in your arteries. This is why untreated high cholesterol is dangerous. The extra lipids in your blood help make plaques larger. To find out the amount of high cholesterol in the body, you need a blood test.
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The difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol
There are many types of lipids, but the main ones are “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol”.
Good cholesterol is called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Your liver helps keep your cholesterol levels balanced. It makes enough cholesterol to meet your body’s needs and flushes out the rest. You must have enough HDL to carry cholesterol to your liver. If HDL is low in your body, then You may have too much cholesterol in your blood.
Bad cholesterol is called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This causes plaque to build up in your arteries. Having too much LDL can lead to heart disease over time.
Know the reason for increasing cholesterol in the body (causes of high cholesterol)
1. Smoking: Smoking reduces the “good cholesterol” (HDL) in your body and increases the “bad cholesterol” (LDL) in your body.
2. Being stressed: Stress causes changes in hormones, due to which the production of cholesterol in your body increases.
3. Drinking Alcohol: Excessive amount of alcohol in the body can increase the cholesterol level in your body.
4. Physical stability: Physical activity like aerobic exercise helps keep your cholesterol levels balanced. If you are at a desk job or remain sitting in your free time, your body is not able to produce adequate amounts of “good cholesterol”.
5. Diet: Some food items contain high amount of fat i.e. cholesterol, which can increase the level of cholesterol in your blood. Excessive consumption of junk and fast food can cause the problem of high cholesterol.
Early signs of high cholesterol which should not be ignored
In case of high cholesterol, more plaque starts accumulating in your arteries. These are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Cholesterol deposits in your arteries are known as plaque. Over time, plaque can harden and cause your arteries to narrow. A large accumulation of plaque can completely block an artery. Cholesterol plaques can also rupture, causing blood clots that restrict blood flow.
Blocked arteries of the heart can cause heart attack. Also, blocked arteries of the brain can cause stroke. Many people are not even aware of high cholesterol until they face a life-threatening event. However, for those who keep getting blood tests done regularly, it becomes easier for them to guess. However, when cholesterol increases, some common symptoms may appear such as –
- Chest pain : High cholesterol conditions may cause chest pain (angina) or other symptoms of heart disease, such as pain and pressure in the arms or jaw.
- difficulty breathing : Decreased blood flow to the heart can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing during or after performing any physical activity.
- extreme fatigue : High cholesterol levels can affect blood flow, which can lead to fatigue, weakness and lack of energy after performing unusual or even small activities.
- Xanthomas and Xanthelasma : This condition refers to the accumulation of fat under the skin, especially around the eyes. Which may appear as yellow lumps or bumps.
- foot ulcers : Having blisters on your feet, or them not healing easily, may be a sign of the blood supply to your feet. Excessive cholesterol causes obstruction in blood flow, due to which this can happen.
How to prevent high cholesterol (how to prevent high cholesterol)
Healthy food choices and regular exercise are two of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce the risk of high cholesterol. Try to avoid foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat and dairy products, as much as possible.
Eat healthy fat-rich foods such as lean meat, avocado, nuts and low-fat dairy products. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of trans fat, such as fried and packaged foods. Make foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids a part of your regular diet. These foods include salmon, herring, walnuts and almonds.
You can also control cholesterol with the help of normal physical activities like walking, jogging, yoga etc. You should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
Also read: Low Blood Pressure: If blood pressure suddenly decreases, these 5 quick tips can help you.
