Hypercholesterolemia [increased Cholesterol In Blood]

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that is essential for building healthy cells. However, high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is carried by two types of lipoproteins: LDL (bad cholesterol), which can build up in arteries, and HDL (good cholesterol), which helps remove excess cholesterol.

Risk Factors:

• Unhealthy diet (high in saturated fats and cholesterol)
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Age (cholesterol rises with age)
• Family history
• Medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure)

Symptoms:

High cholesterol typically has no symptoms but can lead to:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heart attack or stroke
• Fatty deposits around the eyes or joints (xanthomas)

Prevention and Early Detection:

• Consume healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Regular cholesterol screenings (lipid profile test) to measure LDL, HDL and triglycerides

Diagnosis and Staging:

• Lipid profile: Blood test used to measure cholesterol levels. The test typically includes the following measurements:

§  Total Cholesterol: Should be less than 200 mg/dL.

§  LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Should be less than 100 mg/dL

§  HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.

§  Triglycerides: Above 150 mg/dL) can increase the risk of heart disease.

Why Regular Screening Matters?

Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, regular screenings are essential for early detection. Identifying high cholesterol early helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, allowing for timely intervention and lifestyle changes.