What are the health issues linked with high cholesterol and ways to control it?

A person is considered to have high cholesterol when their cholesterol levels exceed certain levels (200 mg/dl). People must be careful about their cholesterol levels as persistent high cholesterol levels are always associated with heart diseases. High cholesterol levels in the blood are known as hypercholesterolemia. Generally, hypercholesterolemia does not cause any symptoms. However, persistent high cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is the process of fat deposition in the blood vessels.

Genes and lifestyle play a role in maintaining cholesterol levels in the blood. Because of abnormal gene expression, some people have very high levels of cholesterol from childhood which is known as familial or primary hypercholesterolemia. However, lifestyles such as diet & exercise habits mainly influence the cholesterol levels in the blood.

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Below are the risk factors of hypercholesterolemia:

• Age: Hypercholesterolemia increases with age.
• Sex: Women are at a lower risk of high cholesterol than men.
• Family history: People are at greater risk of hypercholesterolemia if they have a family history of high cholesterolemia.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of high cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Type 2 diabetes: People who have type 2 diabetes have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease than people of their age who don’t have diabetes.

Health issues due to hypercholesterolemia depend on the type of blood vessels that get blocked or narrowed after fat deposition. Below are the health issues linked with hypercholesterolemia.

1. Myocardial ischemia: insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscle is known as myocardial ischemia which may lead to chest pain. Chest pain due to myocardial ischemia is also known as angina pectoris. During exercise and physical activity, the ischemic heart is not able to pump a sufficient amount of blood to full fill the increased demand for oxygen is called heart failure.
2. Myocardial infarction: Persistent insufficient supply of blood to the myocardium may cause degeneration of the heart muscle cells which is known as myocardial infarction (death of heart muscle cells). Infarction (death) of the heart muscle affects its contractile power thus, affects the blood pumping capacity of the heart.
3. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): The blockage of the peripheral artery due to hypercholesterolemia can lead to PAD. In PAD lower extremities are not getting sufficient blood leading to pain in the leg. If PAD persists for a long period of time it may damage the neurons and may affect the sensation of foot. Loss of sensation in the foot can lead to foot ulcer and gangrene like condition. A foot ulcer is one of the most common reasons for foot amputation (loss of foot).
4. Stroke: atherosclerosis in the carotid artery (supplies blood to the brain) can lead to a stroke which is also known as a cerebrovascular accident. Stroke can be of two types: ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. Cerebrovascular accident due to the insufficient blood supply is known as ischemic stroke and rupture of blood vessels in the brain is known as a hemorrhagic stroke.

Thus, a person who has high cholesterol levels in the blood should do something to control it.

Ways to control hypercholesterolemia

Pharmacological and Non Pharmacological methods are the way to control high cholesterol levels in the blood. Non Pharmacological way of treatment is often advised to follow some general measures as part of their treatment. These include strop smoking, do exercise and loss weight. Most importantly eat heart-healthy foods and limit certain foods which can elevate cholesterol levels.

• Limit saturated fats intake: Red meats and full cream dairy products are rich sources of saturated fats and their intake can raise your total cholesterol levels in the blood. By limiting the intake of red meat and dairy products, we can reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood which are bad cholesterol and responsible for atherosclerosis.
• Reduce the intake of hydrogenated vegetable oils: hydrogenated vegetable oil is widely used in our kitchen. It can also boost overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Increase fiber-rich diet: Fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Oatmeal, kidney beans, peas, and sprouts are rich sources of soluble fibers.
• Increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are represented by two groups Omega 3 and Omega 6. Omega 3 fatty acids are good for our heart while Omega 6 is harmful. Generally, our diets are rich in Omega 6 and low in Omega 3 fatty acids, which may affect the healthy ratio of Omega 3/Omega 6 in our body. The unhealthy ratio of Omega 6/Omega 3 can stimulate the process of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
• Take Omega 3 Supplements: Generally, we are not getting sufficient amount of Omega 3 fatty acids from the diets only. In such a case, we must take help of Omega 3 supplements to acheive the desired Omega 3 levels. In the market different products of omega 3 are available. But most of the products contains less amount of omega 3. You can get sufficient amount of Omega 3 fatty acids from TrueBasics Ultra Omeg 3. Which provide high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, in addition, it also contains the right proportion of EPA and DHA. In TrueBasics Ultra Omega 3 Omega 3 is sourced from a cold water fish Sardine which ensures good quality of Omega 3 also. If you are a vegeterian then you can take TrueBasics Vegan Omega 3. Source of Omega 3 in TrueBasics Vegan Omega is Flaxseed oil.

Sometimes healthy lifestyle changes may not be enough and effective to lower the cholesterol levels. In such a case, you should consult a doctor and take medications as prescribed by your doctor. However continue your lifestyle changes as it can help a patient to use low dose of medications.