In the United States, high cholesterol is considered quite common. In fact, according to the CDC, about 94 million adults in the United States aged 20 years old or older have what might be described as borderline excessive cholesterol. However, because this illness can sometimes manifest without any obvious symptoms, you may not know you have it until you see your doctor.
If you’re wondering what causes high cholesterol, how to treat it if you’ve been diagnosed with it, and whether there are methods to reduce your cholesterol levels, read on. Here’s everything you need to know about high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a lipoid (oil-like) substance. It’s a greasy, fatty product produced by your liver naturally. It’s necessary for cell membrane construction, some hormones, and vitamin D production. Cholesterol can’t dissolve in water, so it can’t travel through your circulation by itself. Lipoproteins are made by your liver to help transport cholesterol.
In most situations, high cholesterol is a “hidden” illness. It generally does not produce any symptoms. Many people will never know they have elevated cholesterol levels until it’s too late, such as when they suffer from a heart attack or stroke.
Excess consumption of highly cholesterol-rich, saturated fat-rich, and trans-fat-containing meals have been linked to an increased risk of developing high cholesterol. Living a sedentary lifestyle or being overweight can also raise your risk. Inactivity and smoking are additional lifestyle choices that may contribute to high cholesterol levels.
Your genes may also play a role in your risk of developing high cholesterol. Parents pass down their genes to their children. Genes control the way your body handles fats and cholesterol. If your parents have high cholesterol, you are more likely to as well.
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may suggest making changes to help reduce it. They may recommend modifications to your diet, exercise routine, or other aspects of your daily routine as examples. If you smoke, they will almost certainly recommend that you quit.
Your doctor may also prescribe medicines or other methods to help you decrease your cholesterol levels. They might advise you to see a specialist in some situations.
You can’t do much about your genetic propensity to have high cholesterol. However, you may modify your lifestyle.
To lower your risk of developing high cholesterol:
In most situations, high cholesterol has no symptoms. However, high cholesterol can lead to significant health problems if left untreated. The good news is that your doctor can help you manage this condition and in many cases, can even prevent problems from happening.
For individualized guidance from an expert pharmacist and a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation now! For more health tips, check out the rest of our glossary. In the meantime, the Gaspar’s Best family wishes you and your family happiness and health.
Gaspar’s Best is affiliated with HB Pharmacy in North Arlington, NJ. HB Pharmacy is the 2024 Good Neighbor Pharmacy of the Year, a national award for independent pharmacies.
98 Ridge Road
North Arlington, NJ 07031
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