Elevated cholesterol levels generally do not cause obvious symptoms. As a result, people are often unaware that they have high cholesterol until a screening test shows abnormal results.
Elevated cholesterol levels can have harmful effects on the body, but people can take steps to reduce them. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe medication.
Read on to learn about the effects of high cholesterol, as well as the causes and treatment options.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the liver. Its functions include:
- being a component of bile acids, which aid in the digestion of fatty foods
- being the precursor to steroid hormones
- helping the skin to produce vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun
- playing a key role in the health of the cell membrane
Since the body can produce all the cholesterol it uses for these functions, people don’t have to get it from their diet. As long as the body has cholesterol in the right amounts, this substance is beneficial. However, it becomes a risk factor for various diseases when in excess.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the two main types of cholesterol are:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
People sometimes refer to this as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL levels cause plaque to build up in blood vessels, narrowing them. This narrowing can cause stroke, heart attack and other problems.
High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
People sometimes call this “good” cholesterol. Therefore, low HDL levels can also be a health concern.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), high levels of LDL cholesterol generally do not cause symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware of the high levels until they get the results of a cholesterol test.
However, the NHLBI notes that some people with very high levels may have grayish-white rings around the corneas in the eyes or bumps of fat on the skin.
The CDC says that about 38% of people in the United States have high cholesterol, so it is important to have tests periodically. Diagnosing and treating this condition can help prevent serious problems.
Over time, high cholesterol can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, note the NHLBI.
In this condition, plaque accumulates in blood vessels throughout the body. Since the buildup of plaque obstructs blood flow, this can lead to the following:
A 2014 study found that high cholesterol and high blood pressure can work together to contribute to the development of coronary heart disease. The authors reported that people with higher cholesterol and blood pressure levels were at higher risk of death from the disease.
Doctors generally categorize a person’s total cholesterol according to these ranges:
Ideal LDL cholesterol levels are less than 100 mg / dl, while HDL cholesterol levels should ideally be 60 mg / dl or more.
The NHLBI report that the following factors can cause abnormal cholesterol levels:
- Diet and lifestyle: These factors, which are the most common cause, include physical inactivity, smoking and an unbalanced diet.
- Certain medications: Some medications can increase LDL cholesterol levels or decrease HDL cholesterol levels. Examples include chemotherapy drugs for cancer and beta-blockers to reduce high blood pressure.
- Genes: People can inherit the tendency to have high levels of LDL cholesterol.
In addition, some conditions are associated with abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions include:
- Diabetes: High cholesterol is common in people with this disease.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Signs of the disease include high levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.
- Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increases the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A low level of HDL cholesterol is one of the risk factors.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that people follow the habits below to reduce cholesterol.
Eat a heart-healthy diet
A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy products and non-tropical vegetable oils. It also involves limiting foods high in salt and sugar, along with red and processed meats.
The best dietary practice for lowering cholesterol is to avoid saturated and trans fats, which are present in various dietary sources, such as fatty meats and packaged foods.
Practice exercises regularly
A sedentary lifestyle lowers HDL cholesterol – an effect that increases LDL cholesterol. Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week can lower your total cholesterol and blood pressure.
Stop smoking, if applicable
When a person with high cholesterol smokes, the risk of coronary artery disease further increases.
Quitting smoking can increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.
Since secondhand smoke is also harmful, non-smokers should avoid exposure whenever possible.
Reach or maintain a moderate weight
Overweight and obesity increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol. Losing only 5–10% of body weight can improve cholesterol levels.
Doctors prescribe several types of drugs to lower cholesterol. The CDC lists the following:
- Statins: These drugs reduce liver production of LDL cholesterol and increase your ability to remove it.
- Niacin: This vitamin B increases HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.
- Bile acid sequestrants: These molecules remove bile acids, which helps lower cholesterol.
- Injectable drugs: Doctors use these drugs primarily for people with genetic disorders that cause very high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Anyone with cholesterol levels that do not fall within the desirable range should see a doctor.
The person’s treatment options will depend on the level of high cholesterol and whether there are other risk factors for heart attack or stroke.
The CDC report that doctors can prescribe medications for people who have an LDL cholesterol level of at least 190 mg / dl without risk factors or at least 70 mg / dl with risk factors.
Since there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, people may experience it without knowing it.
The most common cause is unhealthy habits, so doctors often recommend making certain lifestyle changes. This includes practices such as following a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and quitting smoking.
Doctors also prescribe medications for certain individuals. A person with high cholesterol should visit the doctor to obtain a personalized treatment plan.