High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol: Causes, Risks, Symptoms & Management

High cholesterol occurs when there is an excess of cholesterol (fat) in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. It is often silent, meaning it has no symptoms until complications arise.

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🔹 Types of Cholesterol

🔹 LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – “Bad Cholesterol”

• Builds up in arteries, leading to blockages.
• Increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

🔹 HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – “Good Cholesterol”

• Helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Lowers the risk of heart disease.

🔹 Triglycerides

• A type of fat stored in the body.
• High levels increase the risk of pancreatitis & cardiovascular disease.

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🔹 Causes of High Cholesterol

🛑 Unhealthy Diet – Eating too much saturated & trans fats (fried foods, processed snacks, red meat).
🛑 Lack of Exercise – Leads to weight gain & reduces “good” HDL cholesterol.
🛑 Obesity – Excess fat leads to higher LDL & triglycerides.
🛑 Genetics (Familial Hypercholesterolemia) – Some people inherit high cholesterol.
🛑 Medical Conditions – Diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or liver problems.
🛑 Smoking & Alcohol – Lowers “good” HDL & increases “bad” LDL cholesterol.

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🔹 Symptoms of High Cholesterol

🚫 High cholesterol itself has no symptoms!
🚫 It is often discovered through blood tests or when complications like heart disease or stroke occur.