High Cholesterol: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Due to the lack of symptoms, the only method to diagnose excessive cholesterol is to have a blood test that measures your lipid levels. Contact your doctor immediately if your cholesterol readings are higher than expected.
There is a high risk of much more severe disorders such as peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and cardiovascular disease. The plaque accumulation is high cholesterol. Even though that may seem terrifying, remain calm. Your doctor can assist you in lowering your cholesterol levels with medication and lifestyle modifications.
What do you know about cholesterol?
Vitamin D, some hormones, and cell membrane production depend on cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like material. HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are the two main types of lipoproteins.
HDL cholesterol
Not all cholesterol has adverse effects. LDL cholesterol is absorbed by high-density lipoproteins (HDL), sometimes called "good cholesterol," and is then transported back to the liver for elimination from the body. High cholesterol levels can manage your risk of stroke, CAD, blood clots, and cardiovascular disease.
LDL cholesterol
What causes elevated cholesterol? The condition known as high cholesterol elevates the blood levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as "bad cholesterol." If blood vessel fatty deposits accumulate due to elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, it can lead to health problems. This is because more plaque reduces your body's blood flow, especially to your heart and brain.
Triglycerides
Your body uses triglycerides, a different kind of lipid than cholesterol, as a stored energy source. When you eat more than you need, your body turns excess food into triglycerides, which manage the fat cells.
Your risk of stroke and cardiac disease increases if you routinely consume more than you use and do not use the stockpiles. This can also raise your triglyceride levels. Like cholesterol, your doctor can check your levels with a blood test to ensure they are within normal bounds.
Warning Signs of High Cholesterol
Usually, high cholesterol doesn't show any signs until it becomes an emergency. A blood test is the only way to determine elevated cholesterol levels. If you don't take care of your cholesterol, plaque will eventually accumulate and damage your heart, increasing the high chance of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Watch for signs of an impending heart attack or stroke, such as:
If you have any concerns about your symptoms, go to the closest 24-hour emergency department as soon as possible. To be sure nothing serious is happening, they might perform tests and examine your blood work.
How can you determine whether your cholesterol is high without a blood test?
As previously indicated, you are only aware that you have high cholesterol once you experience an emergency or have received the results of a blood test. Lipid testing should start between 9 and 11 and be repeated every five years until age 45 or 55, depending on gender.
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Blood tests should be redone every one to two years between the ages of 45 and 65 for males and 55 and 64 for females.
Risk Factors of High Cholesterol
Your doctor can determine how frequently you should test and consider the risk factors and your family history.
How do you lower cholesterol?
The best strategy to lower high cholesterol is to have a healthy lifestyle and, if necessary, take medication. Consult your physician to determine the best course of action for you.
The following are some adjustments you may make to lower your cholesterol:
What is the Lipid Profile Test?
The term "lipid profile blood work" refers to a comprehensive cholesterol test that measures the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood. The body uses the soft, waxy, fatty cholesterol as fuel and stores the blood and tissues. The proper quantity of cholesterol is necessary for the body to operate, but too much cholesterol can result in serious health issues, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Elevated cholesterol levels frequently represent a noteworthy risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Male adults should start having their cholesterol examined at age 35 or younger, while female adults should begin routine cholesterol analysis at age 45 or younger. It is required to get an annual evaluation of your cholesterol levels if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.
Who Should Think About the Cholesterol Test?
If you currently use medication to decrease your cholesterol, have coronary artery disease, or are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease because of any of the following, you must undergo a cholesterol test.
You have a greater risk of coronary heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke if your cholesterol is higher than usual. If the test results are not abnormal, your health practitioner can prescribe a thyroid function test to see if your thyroid is underactive or a blood glucose test for screening diabetes.
Conclusion
How can one determine if their cholesterol levels are elevated? Once again, blood tests performed by your doctor are the only way to determine whether you have high cholesterol. If you suspect that you may have high cholesterol or if you exhibit symptoms of a more severe condition, such as a heart attack or stroke, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical help. You should schedule a lipid profile blood test in London to get a prompt result.