Does High Cholesterol Have Any Symptoms?

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The American Heart Association states that more than a third of Americans over the age of 20 have either high or borderline-high cholesterol. Why aren't more people responding to this condition after recognizing its symptoms? Well, that's because high cholesterol doesn't have symptoms.

How Will I Know If I Have High Cholesterol?

A physician can check your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test called a lipid profile, in which a sample of blood is taken either from an arm or finger and tested in a lab. There are four factors in a lipid test that a doctor will look at: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

What Do All These Abbreviations Mean?

LDL and HDL are the two major divisions of cholesterol. They stand for low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol from the liver out to tissues of the body by traveling through the bloodstream. LDL levels are more indicative of cardiovascular disease risk, as high levels of LDL cause cholesterol to accumulate in the arteries. In opposition, high-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it can be broken down and discarded. HDL is considered the good cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from the arteries. When doctors talk about high cholesterol they're actually referring to high levels of LDL.

Are There Any Risk Factors for High Cholesterol?

Because we both consume cholesterol and produce it ourselves, cholesterol levels can become high from the food we eat and our actual physical make-up. Foods that contain high amounts of cholesterol can obviously raise cholesterol. But some people naturally produce more cholesterol than normal, a condition which is usually hereditary. Excess weight, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and mental stress can all cause an increase in LDL. Men over the age of 50 and women over 60 are also more likely to have increasing cholesterol levels.

How Do You Lower High Cholesterol?

Diet and exercise are usually the first measures taken to lower cholesterol. Those with high cholesterol should shoot for a low-fat diet, specifically staying away from trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats of olive and canola oils are generally better than butter and margarine which are high in saturated fat. Of course, all fats should be eaten in moderation, even if they are healthier. The triglycerides in foods high in simple carbohydrates (baked goods, most cereals, pastas, and breads) can also contribute to high cholesterol. Carbohydrates contain triglycerides and should only account for 50-60% of your daily calories. It is also important to quit smoking (if you do), limit alcohol consumption, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Exercise has actually been shown to increase HDL levels, which is an incredibly effective method for lowering LDL levels. When diet and exercise are not enough to lower cholesterol (some people just naturally make excessive amounts of cholesterol), there are several herbal extracts and oils which have been shown to help lower cholesterol.

Sources:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Lowering-Your-High-Cholesterol-Naturally?-Learn-More...&id=292545

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=536

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/hypercholesterolemia.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/high_cholesterol/page5_em.htm#High%20Cholesterol%20Treatment

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