High Cholesterol

Symptoms

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Unfortunately, there are no crucial warning symptoms to detect high cholesterol levels, and a blood test is the only way to detect it.

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Causes

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A high cholesterol diagnosis is a high level of triglycerides in the blood; this increases the risk of developing heart conditions. There are different types of cholesterol:

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1. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol that builds up in arteries.

2. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol; it sends excess cholesterol to the liver for elimination.

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• Poor physical activity and an unhealthy diet increase the risk of developing high cholesterol.

• Obesity.

• Hereditary genetic family history.

• People with diabetes.

• Kidney deficiency and disease.

• Lupus.

• Been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

• Hypothyroidism.

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Risk Factors

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• Obesity increases your risk of high cholesterol.

• Lousy diet habits, saturated fats, dairy products, and trans fats.

• Poor physical activity.

• Age the liver in people over 50 becomes less effective in processing cholesterol. 

• Alcohol addiction, too much, can lead to liver problems and increase the risk of high cholesterol.

• Smoking.

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Complications

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High cholesterol, if left untreated, can lead to atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in the arteries; this can trigger:

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• Coronary artery disease, poor blood flow, chest pain.

• Heart attack from plaque particles obstructing an artery.

• Stroke when a blood clot blocks blood circulation to the brain or part of it.

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Prevention

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• Eat more clean vegetables, fiber, fruits, and whole grains, and reduce sodium intake.

• Reduce intake of fats from animals and replace with natural oils such avocado, olive, and three nuts.

• Avoid alcohol consumption.

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise 45 - 60 minutes per day.

• Reduce your stress triggers.

• Do not smoke​.

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Vitamins and Supplements for High Cholesterol

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High cholesterol can be managed with lifestyle changes, but some people may find that vitamins and supplements can play a supportive role. Here's a list of vitamins and supplements that may help manage cholesterol levels:

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• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Are known to reduce triglyceride levels and may improve overall cholesterol levels. They are found in fatty fish like salmon, as well as in fish oil supplements.

• Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin can help increase "good" HDL cholesterol and lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Soluble Fiber (Psyllium, Oats, Barley): Soluble fiber supplements, like psyllium husk, can help lower LDL cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and removing it from the body. Oatmeal and barley also contain soluble fiber.

• Plant Sterols and Stanols: Found in fortified foods or available as supplements, plant sterols and stanols can help block the absorption of cholesterol, lowering LDL cholesterol.

• Garlic: Garlic supplements may help reduce cholesterol levels, though the evidence is not definitive. It may be beneficial in lowering total cholesterol and LDL levels in some individuals.

• Red Yeast Rice: This supplement contains compounds that are similar to statins (the drugs commonly used to lower cholesterol). It can help lower LDL cholesterol, but it should be used cautiously due to the potential for side effects similar to statins.

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Some people who take statin medications experience muscle pain or weakness, and CoQ10 may help alleviate these symptoms.

• Plant-based Omega-3s (ALA): If you are vegetarian or vegan, plant sources like flaxseed or chia seeds provide ALA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that may offer some cholesterol-lowering benefits.

 

When to See a Doctor

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It's essential to consult a doctor if:

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• You have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

• Your cholesterol levels remain high despite making lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and exercising.

• You experience symptoms that may indicate heart disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.

• You are unsure about the safety of using certain supplements, especially if you're on prescription medication.

• Your cholesterol numbers are high enough to require medical treatment, like statins or other medications.​