Why is having high cholesterol bad for Health?

A fatty substance called cholesterol or sterol can be found in your blood. The liver naturally produce it. All people have sterol. Every cell in our body use it, so we require it to maintain our health. This is derived in part from the foods we consume.

When your blood has a high level of it, you have high cholesterol. This could make you more prone to heart and circulatory condition like heart attacks and stroke.

Types of sterol

The two main types of sterol are good and bad sterol. A high level of “bad” sterol can have negative effect on your health. Proteins in your blood transport it. You can find Lipoproteins when proteins and sterol combine.

1. HDL, or high-density lipoproteins: It is refer to as “good” sterol. This is because it attempt to remove your blood from the “bad” sterol. It return unnecessary sterol to the liver as well as break down by the liver so that your body can eject it.
2. The non-HDL or “bad” cholesterol: It is refer to as non-high-density lipoproteins. This is due to the reason that if there is an excessive amount, it may collect within the blood vessel walls. This narrow the arteries, which clogs them up.

Why is having high cholesterol bad for Health?

Non-HDL transport cholesterol from the liver to your body’s cells. It  can be dangerous in excess because it adhere to the inner lining of your arteries. Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty material (atheroma) build up as a result of this. Blood flow becomes more difficult as a result, which may cause a heart attack or stroke. It can aid in controlling and eliminating “bad” cholesterol from the body.

Why does high Cholesterol occur?

Things at your control that raise sterol include:

• Consuming excessive saturated fat
• Not getting enough exercise
• Having excessive body fat, especially in the midsection.
• Smoking can raise your cholesterol levels, and the tar it creates in your arteries makes it simpler for it to adhere to the walls of your arteries.
• You run a higher risk of having high sterol if you are overweight or have diabetes.

Things beyond your control that raise sterol include:

• Growing old
• Whether you were born a man or a woman
• Racial background
• A form of high cholesterol that is inherited is called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
• A liver or kidney condition
• Disorders of the hormones

How is sterol level determined?

A simple and direct blood test is use to determine the blood sterol levels. Typically, samples are taken by pricked fingers. Then, in addition to obtaining a total sterol reading, your blood is examine for levels of good HDL , bad (non-HDL) sterol, and triglycerides. The units use to measure it and triglycerides are millimoles per liter of blood, commonly abbreviate as mmol/Litre or mmol/L.

How to lower sterol levels?

• Get active
• Quit smoking
• Consume a balanced, healthful diet low in saturated fat.

High sterol medications and treatments

Your doctor might advise taking medication to lower your level if it is very high and lifestyle changes are insufficient. The primary class of medication use to lower sterol is statins. If you need to take any additional medications to help control your sterol levels, your doctor will let you know. They might also suggest a lipidologist as a specialist for you.

Conclusion

Although they can help control it, medications cannot reverse high sterol. In order to ensure that your cholesterol levels are within a healthy range, you must continue taking your medications and getting routine cholesterol checks.