Silent Killer: Understanding High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is often called a silent killer because it rarely shows obvious symptoms until it has led to serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Understanding its risks and prevention is vital for a healthier life.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver and absorbed from certain foods. It plays an essential role in forming cell membranes, producing hormones, and aiding digestion.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

1. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Known as bad cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of arteries, leading to blockages.
2. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Referred to as good cholesterol, it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

An imbalance where LDL levels outweigh HDL can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

Silent Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol itself does not have symptoms, but the complications it causes can.

Key indicators include:

Leg pain or cramps (Peripheral Artery Disease - PAD): Narrowed arteries in the legs can cause pain during walking.

Angina: Chest pain due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries, often triggered by physical exertion.

Hip or armpit pain: Sometimes misdiagnosed as a pulled muscle but may signal narrowed arteries.

Numbness or cold limbs: Resulting from reduced blood flow.

Lower back pain: Plaque buildup in arteries supplying the lower back.

Skin changes: Yellowish fatty deposits (xanthomas) on eyelids, joints, or tendons.

Erectile dysfunction: Reduced blood flow can lead to difficulties in maintaining an erection, often an early sign of cardiovascular issues.

Untreated high cholesterol can result in severe conditions, including:

Atherosclerosis: Hardening or narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.

Heart disease: Risk of heart attacks or heart failure.

Stroke: Blood supply blockage to the brain caused by plaques.

Gallstones: Cholesterol buildup can disrupt digestion.

Diagnosis of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is diagnosed through a blood lipid profile,

measuring:

• Total cholesterol: Optimal levels are below 200 mg/dL.
• LDL (Bad cholesterol): Less than 100 mg/dL is ideal.
• HDL (Good cholesterol): Over 40 mg/dL is desirable.
• Triglycerides: Normal levels are below 150 mg/dL.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of managing high cholesterol:

• Healthy Diet: Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, fried items, and sweets.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly, such as brisk walking, swimming, or gardening.
• Maintain an Ideal Weight: Losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve cholesterol levels.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces HDL cholesterol and damages blood vessels.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Men should consume no more than two drinks per day, and women no more than one.
• Reduce Stress: Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
• Medications: When lifestyle changes are insufficient, medications may help manage cholesterol:
• Statins: Reduce LDL cholesterol by inhibiting its production in the liver.
• Bile Acid Sequestrants: Help the liver use cholesterol to produce bile, reducing overall levels.
• Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors: Reduce dietary cholesterol absorption.
• PCSK9 Inhibitors: New drugs that significantly lower LDL cholesterol.
• Fibrates: Reduce triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol.
• Routine Monitoring Regular monitoring is crucial. Adults over 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years or more frequently if they have additional risk factors.