Your body needs cholesterol, a waxy substance in the bloodstream, to build healthy cells. However, high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of various heart diseases. High cholesterol levels can cause fatty deposits in blood vessels. These deposits can restrict blood flow in the arteries. Sometimes, these deposits break and form clots, which can further cause heart attack and stroke. You can visit healthcare clinics in Nashville for regular cholesterol screening. Besides, your doctor can prescribe medications and advise you about the ways to manage your cholesterol levels.
Types of Cholesterol
Lipoproteins are protein molecules transporting fat through the bloodstream. They contain cholesterol and triglycerides. Lipoproteins can be of the following types.
- Low-density lipoprotein or LDL – Also called 'bad' cholesterol, transports cholesterol particles throughout the body. LDL cholesterol buildup in the artery walls makes them narrow and hard, reducing blood flow.
- High-density lipoprotein or HDL – Also called 'good' cholesterol, transports excess cholesterol back to your liver.
Causes of High Cholesterol Levels
Various factors, such as unhealthy diet, obesity, inactivity, etc., can increase levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, different medical conditions can also cause unhealthy cholesterol levels. These include –
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Lupus
Health Complications of High Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels can lead to cholesterol and other fat deposits on your artery walls. These build-ups (plaques) can reduce blood flow through arteries. As a result, it can further lead to the following health complications.
- Chest pain – If the arteries are affected, patients might experience various symptoms of coronary artery diseases, including chest pain (angina).
- Heart attack – A tear or rupture of plaques can cause a blood clot at the affected site. It will further block the blood flow. As a result, it further increases the risk of heart attack.
- Stroke – When a blood clot blocks blood flow to the part of your brain, you can suffer a stroke.
Determining Optimum Cholesterol Levels
Your doctors at medical clinics in Nashville, TN, will prescribe a blood test to check your lipid profile. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential to reducing the risk of heart disease.
- LDL cholesterol – LDL cholesterol levels over 190 mg/dL are considered harmful
- HDL Cholesterol – Around 60 mg/dL HDL level is considered protective. However, HDL levels less than 40 mg/dL are considered a risk factor for heart disease.
- Total Cholesterol – Doctors recommend maintaining a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL
- Triglycerides – Triglyceride levels less than 150 mg/dL are considered healthy for adults.
Prevention and treatment of Cholesterol
Based on the test results, your doctor will prescribe appropriate medications. Additionally, they will guide you in following a healthy lifestyle to manage your cholesterol levels. These include the following.
- Regular physical activities – Ideally, you must get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. It is better to participate in exercises that help increase your heart rate, such as running, walking, swimming, cycling, etc.
- Quit smoking – Smoking can decrease HDL cholesterol. As a result, it might make your blood vessels more vulnerable to possible harm. If you want to avoid the risk of potential heart ailments, you must quit smoking.
- Consume heart-healthy food – Doctors recommend including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, etc., in your diet. Additionally, you should consume lean protein, such as poultry, fish, etc. It is also better to reduce your intake of salt, sugar, saturated fats, trans fats, red meat, etc., in your diet. Instead, you should consume healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, to improve your HDL cholesterol levels. Including Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can also help improve your heart health.
You should also follow your doctor's advice regarding other healthy lifestyle changes to manage healthy cholesterol levels. Visit your family healthcare clinic in Nashville for regular cholesterol screening and consult doctors about ways to manage healthy cholesterol levels.