High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)
This page provides everything you need to know about high cholesterol disease.
What IsHigh Cholesterol?
It is a waxy substance produced by the liver, and the body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. However, a significant increase can increase the risk of heart attacks..
High cholesterol leads to the formation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries. Sometimes, these deposits can rupture, causing heart attacks or strokes.
- Types ofHDI): cholesterol:
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Also known as good cholesterol, it removes(LDL):cholesterol from the arterial lining, thereby protecting it from atherosclerosis.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Known as bad cholesterol, it increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?
There are no symptoms for high cholesterol; it is often discovered during routine check-ups.
What are the causes of high cholesterol?
- High cholesterol is often due to several factors, such as:
- Family history
- Highconsumptionofmeat
- Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle. A guide to moving for you and your life, with steps to make your lifestyle.
- Obesity
- Smoking
Alcohol
How is it diagnosed?:
- Doctors take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. They may also request additional tests as needed, such as:
- Blood tests
- Familyhistoryof cholesterol
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Assessment of risk factors like smoking, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, age, physical activity, and obesity |
The table illustrates the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol if you do not have coronary artery disease. However, if you do, the desired LDL level should be less than 100 mg/dL (mg/dL), and average rates vary according to the doctor’s assessment of different influencing factors like smoking and high blood pressure.
What are the treatment methods for high cholesterol? |
Treatment may involve various approaches, depending on the patient’s condition. These include:
Quitting smoking. For more details, here’s a guide to quitting smoking. |
Reducing red meat consumption. Exercising regularly. |
|
Avoiding stress. |
Controlling blood glucose and pressure levels. | 240-200 | 240 |
| In addition to the above, some patients may need medications based on several factors, such as:HDL | Those who have a history of heart disease. | 45-35 |
Those who have LDL cholesterol higher than 190 mg/dL. |
|
Diabetics aged 40-75.LDL |
Adults aged 40-75 with LDL cholesterol between 70-189 mg/dL or higher. | 160-130 | It is crucial to adhere to the medication prescribed by your healthcare provider according to the guidelines to avoid complications related to cholesterol. |
| How can high cholesterol be prevented?HDL | Some lifestyle changes can help prevent high cholesterol, such as: | – |
Eating low-salt foods. |
Consuming fruits,HDLvegetables,LDLandLDLwholegrains.
Reduce animal fats and replace them with unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, peanut butter, and avocado.
Maintaining an ideal weight and avoiding weight gain.
- Exercising regularlyfor atleast 30minutes throughoutthe week..
- Avoiding stress.
- What are the complications of high cholesterol?
- High cholesterol in the blood can lead to plaque buildup in the artery walls (atherosclerosis). It is worth noting that high cholesterol is a silent disease with no apparent symptoms, but it has complications like:
- Chest pain
Heart attack
- Stroke.
- Therefore, avoid risk factors you can prevent and have regular check-ups.
- When shouldyou seea doctor?
- Continue having regular check-ups to determine if:
Your cholesterol-lowering medication is working.
When you experience any side effects from cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Your provider can switch you to a different medication if you experience severe side effects. Moreover, they may want to regularly monitor your cholesterol to ensure it is at a normal level.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can high cholesterol affect children?
- Yes, it can affect children and adolescents, often due to familial or genetic cholesterol in addition to unhealthy dietary habits. It is always recommended to have regular check-ups every 5 years.
- When should I undergo testing?
- Tests are conducted every 4-6 years for individuals aged 21 and older.
- Annual tests are recommended for men aged 45-65 and women aged 55-65.
Your doctor may also require you to fast for 9-12 hours before undergoing tests.
What is hereditary cholesterol?
- Hereditary or familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic defect in the removal process of bad (low-density) cholesterol from the liver, resulting in high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, which can reach 190 mg/dL. This can cause complications such as atherosclerosis and heart disease, especially if left untreated.
- A person can be born with this condition.
- Should I continue on cholesterol medication for life?
Usually, you should continue taking cholesterol medications because cholesterol may rise again if you stop taking them within a few weeks. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to your cholesterol medication regimen and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
متى يجب عليك زيارة الطبيب؟
استمر في إجراء فحوصات منتظمة لمعرفة ما إذا كان:
- دواء خفض الكوليسترول الخاص بك يعمل.
- لديك أي آثار جانبية من أدوية خفض الكوليسترول.
يمكن لمزودك تحويلك إلى دواء مختلف إذا كنت تعاني من آثار جانبية سيئة. أيضا ، قد يرغبون في فحص الكوليسترول بانتظام للتأكد من أنه في المستوى الطبيعي.
الأسئلة الشائعة:
هل يصيب ارتفاع الكوليسترول الأطفال؟
نعم يصيب الأطفال والمراهقين وغالباً سببه الكوليسترول العائلي أو الوراثي بالإضافة إلى العادات الغذائية الغير صحيحة، فينصح دائماً بإجراء الفحوصات الدورية كل 5 سنوات.
متى يجب علي إجراء الفحوصات؟
- يتم إجراء الفحوصات كل 4-6 سنوات للأشخاص الذين تبلغ أعمارهم 21 فأكثر.
- يتم إجراء الفحص سنوياً للرجال الذين تتراوح أعمارهم بين 45-65 و للنساء من عمر 55-65 عام.
وقد يطلب منك طبيبك المعالج الصيام 9-12 ساعة قبل ذهابك لإجراء الفحوصات.
ما هو الكوليسترول الوراثي؟
الكوليسترول الوراثي أو العائلي هو خلل وراثي في عملية إزالة الكوليسترول الضار (منخفض الكثافة) من الكبد مما ينتج عنه كميات عالية من الكوليسترول الضار بالدم والتي من الممكن أن تصل إلى 190 مجم\دل في الدم مما يسبب مضاعفات مثل تصلب الشرايين وأمراض القلب خصوصاً إذا لم يخضع للعلاج.
ومن الممكن أن يولد الإنسان مصاباً به .
هل أستمر على دواء الكوليسترول مدى الحياة؟
عادةً يجب عليك الاستمرار بأخذ أدوية الكوليسترول لأنه من الممكن أن يرتفع الكوليسترول إذا توقفت عن أخذها في غضون أسابيع قليلة، لذا من المهم الالتزام بأدوية الكوليسترول واتبّاع إرشادات طبيبك المعالج.
