Overview
Cholesterol is a waxy steroid of fat produced in the body of mammals and transported via the blood. It is essential for all animal life as it is an important component of our cells. Usually when one refers to cholesterol and its problems, they are speaking of having higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good, functional cholesterol). This condition medically known as hypercholesterolemia is a strongly associated risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
This medical condition is being experienced by individuals in both developed and less-developed countries. Studies conducted by the World Health Organization have shown that most people are either unaware that they are at risk, and/or are not getting the treatment they need to reduce their risk for heart disease due to high cholesterol. For example, in Thailand 78% of adults surveyed had not been diagnosed, while in Japan, 53% had been diagnosed but not receiving treatment.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol and is therefore a silent killer. But if you have high cholesterol and other disease risk factors, there can be serious health complications. Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s biggest killers claiming more than 17 million lives each year worldwide.
Causes
There are several factors that contribute to high cholesterol, some of which are controllable while others are not. Some of the uncontrollable factors include: gender, age, family history. While controllable risk factors include: diet, weight, and exercise.
Solutions
The first action one should take is with a visit to your family doctor as a simple blood test can be used to determine your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can be managed with medication that is widely available and highly effective if your risk is very high. However, more importantly, simple lifestyle changes can dramatically improve your condition. These include:
– Avoiding tobacco use
– Monitoring saturated fat and cholesterol intake from the food you eat
– Losing excess weight, since being overweight can increase LDL and lower your HDL
– Increasing physical activity, as this helps to regulate LDL and HDL in your body
