- LDL Cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- HDL Cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver for excretion. High levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Diet: Consuming saturated and trans fats found in fried foods, red meat, and processed snacks can raise cholesterol levels.
- Genetics: A family history of high cholesterol may increase the risk.
- Lack of Exercise: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can negatively impact cholesterol levels.
- Age and Gender: Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age, and men often have higher levels than premenopausal women.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney diseases can influence cholesterol levels.
- Chest Pain or Angina: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscles due to narrowed arteries.
- Stroke: Reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the extremities, causing pain and numbness.
- Xanthomas: Fatty deposits under the skin, typically around the eyes.
me Remedy |
Description |
Oats and Barley |
Include these whole grains in
your diet, as they contain beta-glucans that help lower cholesterol. |
Olive Oil |
Use extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in
monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. |
Fatty Fish |
Consume fatty fish like salmon,
mackerel, and trout, as they are high in omega-3 fatty acids. |
Nuts & Seeds |
Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
contain healthy fats and fiber, beneficial for cholesterol. |
Garlic |
Raw or cooked garlic may have
cholesterol-lowering properties. Consider adding it to your meals. |
Green Tea |
The antioxidants in green tea may contribute to
lower cholesterol levels. |
Exercise Regularly |
Engage in aerobic exercises like
walking, jogging, or cycling to improve heart health and lower cholesterol. |
Fiber-Rich Foods |
Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains for soluble fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol. |
Red Yeast Rice |
Contains compounds that may have
a similar effect to statin medications in lowering cholesterol. |
Turmeric |
The active compound curcumin in turmeric has
anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit heart health. |
Tests to Detect Cholestrol
Test
Name |
Purpose |
Recommended
Frequency |
Total Cholesterol Test |
Measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including
LDL and HDL cholesterol. |
Every 4-6 years for adults |
LDL Cholesterol Test |
Assesses the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. |
Every 4-6 years for adults |
HDL Cholesterol Test |
Evaluates the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol. |
Every 4-6 years for adults |
Triglyceride Test |
Measures the level of triglycerides, a type of fat, in
the blood. Elevated levels can contribute to heart disease. |
Every 4-6 years for adults |
Non-HDL Cholesterol Calculation |
Calculates cholesterol levels without HDL cholesterol, providing
a comprehensive assessment of atherogenic lipoproteins. |
Every 4-6 years for adults |
VLDL Cholesterol Calculation |
Estimates the level of very-low-density lipoprotein
(VLDL) cholesterol, a precursor to LDL cholesterol. |
Included in standard lipid panel tests |
ApoB and ApoA-I Tests |
Measures apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I),
which are proteins associated with LDL and HDL particles. |
Periodically, as recommended by a healthcare professional |
CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein) |
Assesses inflammation; high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
may indicate increased cardiovascular risk. |
Periodically, as recommended by a healthcare
professional |
Lp(a) Test (Lipoprotein(a)) |
Measures lipoprotein(a) levels, a genetic factor associated with
an increased risk of heart disease. |
Periodically, as recommended by a healthcare professional |
Genetic Testing for Familial
Hypercholesterolemia |
Identifies genetic mutations linked to high cholesterol
levels, aiding in early intervention for individuals with a family history. |
As recommended by a healthcare professional based on
family history and risk factors |
Age Group |
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
Triglycerides (mg/dL) |
Adults (20-39) |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
Adults (40-59) |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
Adults (60 and older) |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
Gender Differences:
For Males:
Age
Group |
Total
Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
LDL
Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
HDL
Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
Triglycerides
(mg/dL) |
20-29 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
30-39 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
40-49 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
50-59 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
60 and older |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
40 or higher |
Less than 150 |
Age
Group |
Total
Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
LDL
Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
HDL
Cholesterol (mg/dL) |
Triglycerides
(mg/dL) |
20-29 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
50 or higher |
Less than 150 |
30-39 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
50 or higher |
Less than 150 |
40-49 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
50 or higher |
Less than 150 |
50-59 |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
50 or higher |
Less than 150 |
60 and older |
Less than 200 |
Less than 100 |
50 or higher |
Less than 150 |
Class of Medication |
Mechanism of Action |
Common Side Effects |
Statins |
Inhibit HMG-CoA
reductase, reducing cholesterol production in the liver. |
Muscle pain, elevated
liver enzymes. |
Ezetimibe |
Blocks
absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. |
Diarrhea,
abdominal pain. |
Bile Acid Sequestrants |
Bind to bile acids,
promoting excretion and reducing cholesterol levels. |
Constipation,
bloating. |
Fibrates |
Lower
triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. |
Upset
stomach, gallstones. |
Niacin (Vitamin B3) |
Reduces LDL
cholesterol and triglycerides, increases HDL cholesterol. |
Flushing, itching,
liver function changes. |
PCSK9 Inhibitors |
Block PCSK9
enzyme, increasing the liver's ability to remove LDL. |
Injection
site reactions, flu-like symptoms. |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
Reduce triglycerides
and may have a modest effect on cholesterol. |
Fishy aftertaste,
gastrointestinal issues. |
- Atherosclerosis: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaque on the walls of arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Atherosclerosis can affect the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, leading to coronary artery disease. This condition can result in chest pain (angina) or, in severe cases, a heart attack.
- Stroke: Reduced blood flow to the brain due to atherosclerosis can lead to a stroke. This occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Atherosclerosis can also affect arteries outside the heart and brain, leading to peripheral artery disease. This condition can cause pain and numbness, usually in the legs.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): High cholesterol levels can contribute to the development of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Elevated cholesterol levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Conversely, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of having high cholesterol levels.
- Gallstones: Excess cholesterol in the bile can contribute to the formation of gallstones. These are solid particles that form in the gallbladder and can cause pain and other complications.
- Organ Damage: Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to various organs can result in damage to the kidneys, eyes, and other vital organs.
- Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Over time, untreated high cholesterol significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, which can have long-lasting and potentially life-altering consequences.
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