Modern lifestyle and fast-paced life leave very little time for exercises. Additionally, sedentary jobs make physical activity difficult for the majority of the day. These factors, along with major changes in the dietary habits of the urban population result in high blood cholesterol levels, even among youngsters.

High cholesterol is an alarming health concern and it is high time that we understand the implications of this condition. This is why we have answered the most frequently asked questions about high cholesterol.

What does cholesterol do to the body?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is found in our body. It has important functions in maintaining the structure of cell membranes and forming other lipids in the body. However, a higher-than-normal concentration of cholesterol is harmful to the body. High cholesterol can cause narrowing of arteries and decrease blood flow to the heart, brain or other internal organs. The health complications arising out of these may be life-threatening.

What causes cholesterol levels to increase?
A lot of factors contribute to raising cholesterol levels in the human body. Obesity and lack of physical activity is the most common reason for high cholesterol levels. Poor dietary choices also contribute greatly to this condition. These are controllable factors for high cholesterol.

Women tend to have high cholesterol levels after menopause. There is also a direct link between age and cholesterol levels. Moreover, there is a strong genetic component to the development of high cholesterol. These are uncontrollable factors.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?
Unfortunately, there are no clear symptoms that warn a person about high cholesterol. This is what makes this condition extremely dangerous. The only way to know about this condition is to get regular blood tests. Once detected, high cholesterol might necessitate the use of regular medication, regular exercise, or a combination of both. The remedial measures depend on the concentration of cholesterol as shown in the blood report.

Why is high cholesterol dangerous?
High cholesterol is the leading cause of heart attacks and brain strokes. Many such incidents result in the death or debility of the patient. Therefore, high cholesterol is counted among the list of “silent killers.”

What are the dietary sources of cholesterol?
Plants and plant products like fruits, vegetable, lentils, cereals, and leaves are usually free of cholesterol. In contrast, dairy products like cheese, butter, and meat (except lean meat and fish) contain high levels of cholesterol. Dry fruits and seeds have some cholesterol in them. Processed food like ice cream, pizza etc. is also rich in cholesterol.

What is the treatment strategy for high cholesterol?
Cholesterol-lowering medications are prescribed to patients with high cholesterol. In addition, they are advised to lower their dietary intake of cholesterol and maintain a healthy weight. They are also asked to increase their physical activity. It is important to continue medication regularly and follow-up with the medical practitioner.

High cholesterol is easily preventable by making a few lifestyle changes. Everyone should have regular blood tests to monitor their cholesterol levels. Once detected, high cholesterol should not be neglected because they can have severe implications.