Cholesterol, high

Christopher Hobbs:

“High cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, is an excessive amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood and in body tissues. A high level is defined as a total cholesterol level above 200 mg/dl, or levels of high-density cholesterol is below 35 mg/dl. High levels of cholesterol have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Causative factors include stress, a high refined sugar or oil intake, or regular consumption of animal fats.”

High cholesterol can be influenced by several etiologic and other factors, including:

1. Diet: High intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol-rich foods like red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
2. Genetics: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes very high cholesterol levels, often from a young age.
3. Obesity: Being overweight can increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol.
4. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and contribute to higher cholesterol levels.
5. Age and Gender: Cholesterol levels naturally rise with age. Women tend to have lower cholesterol before menopause, but it increases after menopause.
6. Underlying Health Conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver conditions can lead to high cholesterol.
7. Medications: Certain drugs, like corticosteroids and diuretics, can raise cholesterol levels.

Signs to Seek Professional Help:

• Elevated cholesterol levels found in blood tests.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness (could indicate heart problems).
• Family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
• Persistent symptoms of fatigue or weight gain that don’t improve with diet or exercise.
• Unexplained leg pain or swelling, which may indicate peripheral artery disease.