Cholesterol is a type of fat present in the blood. It is an essential substance for the normal functioning of the body. But if it increases from normal levels, then it puts patients at risk of heart attack. Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body. It is manufactured by the body as well as taken from the food we eat. It is an oil-based substance and hence, it does not mix with the blood. Therefore, it is carried in the blood by low-density and high-density lipoproteins.
Primary Causes of High Cholesterol:
There are a number of things that are held responsible for the high cholesterol. Intake of fat in the diet triggers cholesterol level. The following types of food are responsible for causing high cholesterol:
- Cholesterol taken in the form of egg yolk, meat and cheese
- Saturated fat found in meat, dairy products, chocolates, deep-fried and processed foods
- Trans fat found in some fried and processed food
Beside the eating habit, some other factors that contribute to high cholesterol are being overweight or some health problems like diabetes or liver and kidney disease.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol:
High cholesterol is also called ‘silent killer’ since it is tough to spot its obvious signs and symptoms of the disease. This condition is a risk factor that give rise to other illness but by itself doesn’t show any symptom. Thus, people above the age of twenty years are advised to get a lipoprotein profile so that they can know their cholesterol numbers. People experiencing any of the following symptoms must immediately report to the doctor:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness
- Nausea & Vomiting
Diagnosis and Treatment of High Cholesterol:
Quick and effective consultation is needed to treat the disease. Your doctor will diagnose your high blood cholesterol by checking the cholesterol levels in your blood. They conduct a particular blood test called lipoprotein profile to measure your cholesterol levels. You are advised to be empty stomach twelve hours prior to the test. Doctors draw a small sample of blood from your arm and analyzed in a laboratory. Once test are done, doctors may recommend several lifestyle changes related to diet, weight, physical activity and exposure to tobacco. They also prescribe effective medication such as Crestor to treat the disease. It’s however important to consult the doctor before starting the medication.