What causes high cholesterol?
What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?
What are the types of cholesterol?
What are the symptoms of high?
Does high cholesterol cause numbness and dizziness?
The answers are in this comprehensive report.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is found in the body and travels through the bloodstream.
The body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly, but it produces all it needs.
Cholesterol travels through the body with lipoproteins, which are soluble proteins that transport fats throughout the body.
What causes high cholesterol?
Anyone can develop high cholesterol, and it can be caused by many different things, according to the British Heart Foundation.
The foundation says that some causes you can control, such as lifestyle habits, some you cannot control, and as long as you care about the things you can control, they will help reduce risk.
Things that cause high cholesterol and that you can control:
Eat a lot of saturated fat.
Insufficient physical activity.
Having a lot of fat in the body, especially around the middle area.
Smoking can raise cholesterol levels in the blood, and the buildup of tar it causes in the arteries makes it easier for cholesterol to stick to artery walls.
If you are overweight or have diabetes, you are more likely to develop high cholesterol.
Things that cause high cholesterol and you can't control it:
getting older
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a form of high cholesterol you're born with.
Kidney or liver disease.
Hypothyroidism.
types of cholesterol
Good cholesterol:
Its scientific name is high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Bad cholesterol:
Low-density lipoprotein/LDL.
What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?
Bad cholesterol carries cholesterol to body tissues and blood vessels.
If your body has a lot of LDL, the excess will be deposited along the walls of your blood vessels, putting you at risk of heart attack and stroke.
Good cholesterol takes excess cholesterol from tissues and blood vessels to the liver, where it is removed from the body.
HDL helps protect you from heart disease, so unlike LDL cholesterol, the higher your HDL levels, the better.
normal cholesterol level
Total cholesterol in the blood, it is recommended that its level be less than 200 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol more than 40 mg/dL is recommended, preferably 60 mg/dL or higher.
Bad cholesterol, it is recommended that its level be less than 100 mg/dL.
Triglycerides, lower than 150 mg/dL recommended.
Symptoms of high cholesterol
The British Heart Foundation says there are usually no typical signs of high cholesterol, which is why it's important to get it checked.
It is a hidden risk factor, which can happen without our knowledge until it is too late.
Symptoms of high triglycerides
High triglycerides usually do not cause symptoms.
But if your high triglycerides are caused by a genetic condition, you may see fatty deposits under the skin.
These are called "xanthomas," according to the University of Michigan Medicine website.
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the body, the main source of which is food, and the liver is what converts fats into triglycerides, and a high percentage is associated with health risks, so it is recommended that its level be less than 150 mg / dL.
If there is an excess of calories ingested, such as sugars or proteins, the liver converts them into triglycerides, then the blood transports them to be used as an energy source or stored as fats in the body.
High levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood can lead to the deposition of fat on the walls of blood vessels, and this includes the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle, which may lead to atherosclerosis in general and coronary artery disease.
Does high cholesterol cause numbness?
According to a report in the Turkish newspaper "Sabah", one of the symptoms that indicates high cholesterol is tingling in the fingers and toes, a symptom that is often underestimated.
According to Dr. Raul Agrawal, "everyone should monitor their cholesterol levels."
Although this condition is known to have no clear specific symptoms, there are "certain physical symptoms" that must be paid attention to, most notably the feeling of tingling and pain in the fingers and toes as a result of the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels of the extremities of the body.
"The interruption of blood flow to certain parts of the body creates a tingling sensation in the hands and legs, and high cholesterol levels increase blood pressure and affect the normal blood flow to the nerves, causing a tingling feeling," Dr. Agrawal explained.
According to Dr. Kevin Martinez, high cholesterol can lead to fat leaking from the blood vessels to accumulate under the skin, causing what is known as “cholesteatoma”, especially on the surface of the feet and hands, including the fingers.
These tumors vary in size and may be as small as a pinhead or as large as a grape.
Dr. Martinez explained that these tumors often look like a flat bump under the skin, and their color is sometimes yellow or orange.
Although xanthomas are painless, they are sensitive to touch and itching, and these tumors usually appear on the hips, knees or elbows.
The newspaper stated that the doctor can diagnose the xanthomas, but he needs to take a biopsy of the skin, and checking the level of fats in the blood helps to know if you have high cholesterol, and if cholesterol levels drop, the xanthoma may disappear.
Does high cholesterol cause dizziness?
High cholesterol does not cause dizziness, but dizziness may be a sign of a serious complication of high cholesterol, such as a heart attack or stroke.
If you develop symptoms of heart disease, stroke, or hardening of the arteries in other blood vessels, such as left-sided chest pain, pressure or fullness, dizziness, unsteady gait and slurred speech, or pain in the lower legs, Call 911 immediately.
Any of these conditions may be associated with high cholesterol, and each requires immediate medical help, according to WebMD.
What is the treatment for cholesterol?
If you have high cholesterol levels, you can lower them by:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, low in saturated fats.
Being physically active.
Quit Smoking.
Reach a healthy weight.
Take cholesterol-lowering medications.
When is cholesterol treatment taken?
If your cholesterol level is too high, and if lifestyle changes aren't enough, your doctor may suggest controlling it with medication.
Statins are the main type of medication used to lower cholesterol.
Your doctor will tell you if you need to take any other medicines that help control your cholesterol levels, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Can high cholesterol be permanently treated?
No, there is no definitive cure for high cholesterol in the traditional way, i.e. taking medication for a certain period and then the problem disappears.
Cholesterol can be dealt with and controlled through the previous tips, by following a healthy balanced diet, low in saturated fats, being physically active, quitting smoking, reaching a healthy weight, and taking cholesterol-lowering medications as needed.
Causes of high cholesterol in young people
All groups have the same causes of high cholesterol, including familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a disorder that runs in families and leads to high cholesterol.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a disorder in which the body has difficulty removing bad cholesterol (LDL) from the blood.
The disease increases the chances of a heart attack at a young age, but medications and other treatments can reduce the risk, according to WebMed.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a disease you're born with, and you can start developing high cholesterol when you're a child.
It is a serious condition. Without treatment, men with familial hypercholesterolemia can develop heart disease in their forties, and women in their fifties.
There is no cure, so you'll need to take medications and follow a heart-healthy diet for the rest of your life.
Does high cholesterol cause pills?
Eruptive xanthomatosis causes small, harmless bumps, also known as xanthomas, to appear on the skin.
These bumps are sometimes referred to as lesions, papules, plaques, or rashes.
This rare skin condition occurs when you have too much fat or cholesterol in your blood, and the bumps are filled with fat.
About 10 percent of people with high levels of fats in their blood will develop xanthomas, according to the Healthline website.
High cholesterol in pregnant women
When you are pregnant, you can expect your cholesterol to rise.
Dietitian Carolyn Gundel says cholesterol levels can rise by 25 to 50 percent in the second and third trimesters, according to Healthline.
"Cholesterol is essential for the production and function of steroid hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These sex hormones are essential for a healthy and successful pregnancy," explains Gundel.
These hormones are also necessary for your child's healthy growth.
"Cholesterol plays a role in the development of a baby's brain and limbs, cellular development, and in healthy breast milk," Gundel adds.
When should a pregnant woman worry about high cholesterol?
Most women should not worry about a natural increase in cholesterol.
Normally, levels return to normal within 4 to 6 weeks after birth, and it is chronic high cholesterol that raises the risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you had high cholesterol even before pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Because some cholesterol medications may not be recommended during pregnancy, he will either change your medications or help you come up with other ways to control your cholesterol.
This may include:
Increase physical activity.
Eat more fiber.
Get healthy fats like those derived from nuts and avocados.
Limit fried foods and those rich in saturated fats and sugars.
Add omega-3-rich foods or supplements to your diet.
If you are being treated for high cholesterol and become pregnant, your doctor will likely check your cholesterol as part of your regular blood work during pregnancy.
Bad cholesterol symptoms
As mentioned above, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, and this applies to bad cholesterol.
What is the role of cholesterol in the body?
Cholesterol plays 3 main roles in the body:
It helps in the production of sex hormones.
It is the building blocks of human tissue.
It helps in the production of bile in the liver.
Treating high triglycerides
There are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your triglycerides, according to a report in WebMed, such as:
Do more physical activity
Exercise can have a huge impact on your triglyceride levels.
Experts recommend that everyone get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times a week.
If you are sedentary and do not exercise normally, start slowly;
Start with brisk walking 3 times a week and increase it.
lose some weight
If you are overweight or obese, shed some kilograms and try to maintain an ideal body weight.
Exercise will help, but you should also focus on diet.
The key is to eat fewer calories, whether they come from fat, carbohydrates or protein.
Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.
Cutting back on sugary foods, like sodas, can really help, too.
Choose the best fat
Pay more attention to the fats you eat.
Eat fewer foods that contain unhealthy fats (found in meat, butter and cheese) and trans fats (trans fats) in processed foods and margarine, as well as cholesterol.
Increase your intake of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, nuts and some fish.
Studies have found that the omega-3s in fatty fish — such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines — are particularly good at lowering triglyceride levels. Because healthy fats are so high in calories, you should still eat these foods in moderation.
People with heart disease and high triglycerides may need medication to lower their levels. These include:
Fibrates: This drug lowers triglycerides and modestly improves cholesterol levels.
Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids can help control triglycerides.
Ask your doctor if you should use fish oil with a prescription.
Omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources such as flaxseeds may help.
Niacin (nicotinic acid) can lower triglycerides by up to 50%.
Consult your doctor before taking it.
Symptoms of high cholesterol in women
As we said earlier, high cholesterol usually does not cause any symptoms, either in women or men, and in most cases causes only emergency events.
For example, a heart attack or stroke can result from damage caused by high cholesterol.
These events usually do not occur until high cholesterol leads to the formation of "plaque" in the arteries.
Plaque can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow, and plaque formation alters the structure of the lining of the arteries, which can lead to serious complications.
A blood test is the only way to know if your cholesterol level is too high.
This means that the level of total cholesterol in the blood is higher than 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Have your doctor do a cholesterol test for you after you turn 20.
Then have your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
What is the level of LDL cholesterol?
Bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is recommended to be less than 100 mg/dL.
How long is the treatment for cholesterol?
It can take 3 to 6 months to see LDL levels decrease through diet and exercise alone, says Dr. Nika Goldberg, medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women's Health at NYU Langone Medical Center. Changes in women take longer.
Your doctor will be able to determine if you need to take treatments, and for how long you can lower your cholesterol levels.
Treating high cholesterol is a lifelong thing, whether by changing your eating and physical activity patterns, or by taking medication.
low cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can be lowered with medication, such as statins, as well as regular exercise and a healthy diet.
When your cholesterol level drops due to these reasons, there is usually no problem.
In fact, lowering cholesterol is better than raising it most of the time.
When your cholesterol level drops for no apparent reason, you should pay attention and discuss it with your health care provider, according to the Healthline website.
While the exact effects of low cholesterol on health are still being studied, researchers are concerned about how low cholesterol negatively affects mental health.
A 1999 Duke University study of healthy young women found that those with low cholesterol were more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Researchers suggest that because cholesterol interferes with hormone production and vitamin D, low levels may affect your brain health.
Vitamin D is important for cell growth. If your brain cells are unhealthy, you may experience anxiety or depression.
The relationship between low cholesterol and mental health is still not fully understood and is still being researched.
Other concerns about low cholesterol pertain to women who may become pregnant.
If you are pregnant and have low cholesterol, you are at greater risk of having your baby prematurely or having a low birth weight baby.
If you tend to have low cholesterol, talk to your doctor about what to do in this situation.
Symptoms of low cholesterol
يحدث الاكتئاب والقلق من العديد من الأسباب، بما في ذلك احتمال انخفاض الكوليسترول. تشمل أعراض الاكتئاب والقلق ما يلي:
- اليأس
- العصبية
- الارتباك
- صعوبة اتخاذ القرار
- تغيرات في مزاجك أو نومك أو أنماط الأكل
إذا كنت تعاني من أي من الأعراض المذكورة، فاستشر طبيبك.
عوامل الخطر لانخفاض الكوليسترول
تشمل عوامل الخطر لانخفاض الكوليسترول وجود تاريخ عائلي للحالة، وتناول العقاقير المخفضة للكوليسترول أو غيرها من برامج علاج ضغط الدم، والاكتئاب السريري غير المعالج.
تشخيص انخفاض الكوليسترول
الطريقة الوحيدة لتشخيص مستويات الكوليسترول بشكل صحيح هي فحص الدم. إذا كان لديك كوليسترول البروتين الدهني المنخفض الكثافة أقل من 50 مليغراما لكل ديسيلتر (ملغم/ديسيلتر) أو كان الكوليسترول الكلي لديك أقل من 120 مليغراما/ ديسيلتر، فهذا يعني أنك تعاني من انخفاض في مستوى الكوليسترول.
علاج انخفاض الكوليسترول
من المرجح أن يكون سبب انخفاض الكوليسترول في الدم هو شيء ما في نظامك الغذائي أو حالتك البدنية. من أجل علاج انخفاض الكوليسترول، من المهم أن نفهم أن مجرد تناول الأطعمة الغنية بالكوليسترول لن يحل المشكلة. بأخذ عينات الدم والخضوع لتقييم الصحة العقلية، قد تحصل على اقتراحات لنظامك الغذائي ونمط حياتك لعلاج انخفاض الكوليسترول لديك.
إذا كان مستوى الكوليسترول لديك يؤثر على صحتك العقلية، أو العكس، فقد يوصف لك أحد مضادات الاكتئاب.
من الممكن أيضا أن تكون أدوية الستاتين قد تسببت في انخفاض نسبة الكوليسترول لديك بشكل كبير. إذا كان الأمر كذلك، فقد تحتاج جرعة الوصفة الطبية أو الدواء إلى تعديل.
كيف يحسب الكوليسترول الكلي؟
يحدد الكوليسترول الكلي عن طريق جمع:
- مستوى البروتين الدهني المنخفض الكثافة (LDL)
- مستوى البروتين الدهني المنخفض الكثافة (HDL)
- 20 % من مستوى الدهون الثلاثية
ماذا يعني ارتفاع HDL؟
البروتين الدهني العالي الكثافة (HDL) يشار إليه باسم الكوليسترول الجيد لأنه يساعد في إزالة أشكال الكوليسترول الأخرى الأكثر ضررا من الدم، كما قلنا سابقا.
يعتقد عادة أنه كلما زادت مستويات HDL لديك، كان ذلك أفضل. في معظم الناس، هذا صحيح. لكن بعض الأبحاث تظهر أن ارتفاع HDL يمكن أن يكون ضارا بالفعل لبعض الأشخاص، وذلك وفقا لتقرير في هيلث لاين.
عادة، يوصي الأطباء بمستوى HDL يبلغ 60 ملغ/ديسيلتر من الدم أو أعلى. يعدّ HDL الذي يقع في نطاق 40 إلى 59 ملغ/ديسيلتر أمرا طبيعيا، ولكنه قد يكون أعلى. إن تناول HDL أقل من 40 ملغ/ديسيلتر يزيد من خطر الإصابة بأمراض القلب.
ولكن وجدت دراسات أن الأشخاص الذين لديهم مستويات عالية من "البروتينات التفاعلية سي" (C-reactive proteins) بعد تعرضهم لأزمة قلبية قد تتعامل أجسامهم مع ارتفاع HDL بشكل سلبي. ينتج الكبد "البروتينات التفاعلية سي" استجابة لمستويات عالية من الالتهاب في جسمك. وبدلا من العمل كعامل وقائي في صحة القلب، يمكن أن تؤدي المستويات المرتفعة من HDL لدى هؤلاء الأشخاص إلى زيادة خطر الإصابة بأمراض القلب بدلا من ذلك.
وبينما قد تظل مستوياتك في المعدل الطبيعي، قد يعالج جسمك HDL بشكل مختلف إذا كان لديك هذا النوع من الالتهاب. نظرت الدراسة في الدم المأخوذ من 767 شخصا غير مصاب بمرض السكر أصيبوا بنوبة قلبية أخيرا. واستخدموا البيانات للتنبؤ بالنتائج للمشاركين في الدراسة ووجدوا أن أولئك الذين لديهم مستويات عالية من HDL و"البروتينات التفاعلية سي" كانوا فئة عالية الخطورة بشكل خاص للإصابة بأمراض القلب.
يرتبط HDL المرتفع أيضا بظروف أخرى، بما في ذلك:
Thyroid disorders
Inflammatory diseases
alcohol consumption
Sometimes, medications that control cholesterol can raise HDL levels.
It is usually taken to lower levels of LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
Types of medications that have been linked to increased HDL levels include:
Bile acid sequestrants, which reduces the absorption of fats from the foods you eat.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, which lowers triglycerides in the blood, but also increases HDL cholesterol.
Statins, which prevent the liver from making more cholesterol.
Increased HDL levels is usually a positive side effect in people with low HDL levels as in most cases, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you have any doubts about your health status and high HDL, consult your doctor.