High cholesterol – Hypercholesterolemia

High Cholesterol (Cholesterol, High; Hypercholesterolemia)

Description hypercholesterolemia

Cholesterol – one of blood lipid. High cholesterol – abnormally high amounts of cholesterol in the blood.

There are various types of blood cholesterol, including:

• LDL (LDL) – cause accumulation of cholesterol and other fats in the blood vessels. He is known as bad cholesterol, because high levels of it can cause disease of the arteries and heart disease;
• High density lipoproteins (HDL) – can remove cholesterol and other fats from the blood. He is known as good cholesterol, since it can provide some protection from heart disease.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Causes of high cholesterol include:

• Genetics;
• Consumption of foods high in fat;
• Overweight;
• Passive lifestyle.

Risk factors for high cholesterol

Factors, which can increase the risk of high cholesterol include:

• Age: Cholesterol tends to increase with age;
• Paul:
  • Male;
  • Women after menopause;
• Have a family member with high cholesterol;
• The consumption of high fat foods;
• Obesity, overweight;
• Passive lifestyle.

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms. Nonetheless, high cholesterol may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, that can block blood flow. Some complications of atherosclerosis include:

• Angina;
• Heart attack;
• Stroke;
• Peripheral Arterial Disease;
• Other serious complications.

Some people with high cholesterol may have cholesterol deposits in tendons, under the eyes or in the eyes.

Diagnosis of High Cholesterol

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Also, the doctor will ask about factors, that may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Will the analysis of blood. The blood will be sent to the laboratory for measurement of lipids. Tests can determine:

• Total cholesterol;
• HDL;
• HDL;
• Triglycerides.

Your doctor may order other tests, to find disease, which may be associated with high cholesterol.

Treatment of High Cholesterol

Treatment is aimed at reducing LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Methods of treatment include:

Changes in diet

Ask your doctor and a healthy diet to lower cholesterol. It is recommended to make the following changes:

• It is necessary to balance the number of calories consumed and used (through physical activity and basic body functions). This will help maintain a healthy weight;
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables;
• Include in the diet of whole grains and high-fiber foods;
• Eat fish, at least twice per week;
• It is necessary to limit the intake of foods high in saturated fats, trans fat or cholesterol;
• Avoid processed and refined sugars and starches. They contain a variety of popular products – White bread, potatoes, White rice, sweet drinks;
• Cook food without salt;
• It is necessary to limit the consumption of alcohol.

Lifestyle changes

• Begin to exercise with the advice of a doctor;
• If you smoke, to throw;
• If you are overweight, Try to lose weight;
• It is necessary to treat and control other diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Your doctor may prescribe drugs called statins, help lower cholesterol. Statins can reduce the mortality rate from heart attacks and stroke.

These medicines are best used as an adjunct to diet and exercise. They do not cause a significant improvement, if they are used without lifestyle changes.

Prevention of high cholesterol

To reduce the likelihood of high cholesterol levels, follow a healthy lifestyle and diet change, as recommended above.