Can High Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease?

Explore the critical link between cholesterol and heart disease in our detailed blog. Understand the differences between good and bad cholesterol, identify risk factors, and discover dietary changes to manage cholesterol levels. Learn how high cholesterol can lead to heart disease and the importance of regular checkups. Stay informed for a healthier heart with Sterling Accuris Diagnostics.

Introduction

Cholesterol is a silent killer. You might have heard or read this. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding cholesterol. However, this waxy substance is both good and bad for your body, depending on its levels. Let us understand cholesterol in detail.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a lipid (compounds that aid your body with some functions) that travels throughout the body to help parts in need. Primarily, the liver produces cholesterol to fulfill the body’s requirements, but you also receive additional cholesterol from several foods you consume. 

One interesting fact to note is that the human brain loves cholesterol. Even though the brain accounts for around 2% of the body weight, this fatty organ contains around 20% of the cholesterol. 

Therefore, it mandates us to understand the role of cholesterol in our body, its type, and the foods containing good cholesterol.

Role of Cholesterol in the Human Body

Cholesterol plays a vital role in the functioning of your body. It helps the cell membranes develop protective layers and aids the production of vitamin D, some hormones, and bile. In the brain, cholesterol participates in the communication process for serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. It is directly associated with the brain’s processing speed since myelin (a white fatty covering protecting the neurons that helps increase the processing speed) primarily comprises cholesterol. Moreover, it is also important for "lipid raft" development. They are membranes involved in the signaling of brain cells.

Even though cholesterol is essential for our body, higher cholesterol levels may do more harm than good. The body has two main types of cholesterol.

Types of Cholesterol

• LDL Cholesterol

LDL or Low-Density-Lipoproteins are particles that deliver cholesterol to the cells. 

These substances, mainly made of cholesterol, are essential for the body; however, excessive presence and circulation are bad. 

LDLs can combine with other particles to accumulate on the walls of arteries. Continuous build-up of such fatty deposits leads to plaque (atherosclerosis), increasing the chances of stroke, heart attack, and other major concerns. Ideal LDL levels in adults should be less than 100 mg/dl, and those with a history of atherosclerosis should have it below 70 mg/dl. 

Thus, everybody should choose a heart health checkup package in Vadodara to monitor LDL levels and heart health to ensure all is well.

• HDL Cholesterol

HDL or high-density lipoproteins primarily consist of proteins. HDL removes the excess cholesterol in the blood by transporting it to the liver— the liver then starts breaking down the waxy substances to flush out entirely from the body. Thus, HDL is a good cholesterol that everybody wants to keep high. Ideal HDL levels for males at birth are a minimum of 40 mg/dl, and for females at birth, they stand at a minimum of 50 mg/dl. Adults must have HDL levels of 60 mg/dl or above.

What are the Differences Between Good and Bad Cholesterol?

By now, you understand good and bad cholesterol, but here is the basic difference between HDL and LDL.

What are the Risk Factors of High Cholesterol?

Common risk factors for high cholesterol levels are:

• The age factor; risk increases as you get old
• Family history of high cholesterol levels or heart disease
• Saturated and trans fats are present in the foods you eat
• Preeclampsia in pregnancy
• Obesity or overweight
• Lack of physical activity or exercise
• Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
• Smoking 

What are the Common Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. As a result, most people with the condition are unaware till they undergo diagnostic tests at a pathology lab in India. Thus, it is crucial to get cholesterol levels checked every once in a while. 

Please note that if you suffer from familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic disorder that increases the level of bad cholesterol), there are chances you might see the following symptoms:

• Tiny yellow cholesterol lumps around the inner corner of the eye
• Swelling on the hand’s knuckles, Achilles tendon, or the knees
• The white, pale ring surrounding the iris

How to Diagnose High Cholesterol?

High blood cholesterol levels are often identified with blood tests. These tests, known as lipid profiles or lipid panels, report total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (a fat type present in the bloodstream).

One of the major pre-instructions of this test is that you must fast for eight to ten hours before the blood test. If you are advised to get your cholesterol levels checked or if you are googling a heart check up test near me, you can book our cholesterol test from the website or the application. We provide home blood sample collection services, ensuring the tests are done at your convenience and comfort.

Good and Bad Cholesterol Foods

Which Foods can Reduce Cholesterol?

Some foods that lower cholesterol fast or manage the levels are:

• Soybeans
• Barley and more whole grains
• Oats
• Nuts (including peanuts, walnuts, and almonds)
• Beans and lentils (including garbanzo, kidney, navy, and black-eyed peas)
• Okra and eggplant
• Citrus fruits, strawberries, grapes, and applies
• Olive oil
• Fatty fish like mackerel, sardines, and salmon
• Fiber supplements
• Garlic
• Cocoa and dark chocolate
• Tea
• Vegetables, including leafy greens

Which Foods Should You Avoid When Cholesterol is High?

Foods that are a NO-NO for people with high cholesterol levels are:

• Red, fatty, and processed meats
• Whole-fat dairy products like butter, cheese, cream, and milk
• Tropical oils like coconut and palm oil
• Frozen and fried foods
• Sugary beverages
• Candies
• Ice creams
• Egg yolks

How do You Reduce Bad Cholesterol?

Lifestyle modifications can help you reduce cholesterol naturally. Some of the must follow lifestyle habits are:

• Switch to a healthy diet that includes reducing saturated fats, limiting trans fats, increasing the intake of soluble fiber and foods with omega-3 fatty acids, and introducing whey protein to the diet.
• Quit smoking and limiting alcohol intake.
• Exercise regularly or engage in physical activities.
• Manage or lose weight.

While these are some general modifications, you should consult your healthcare provider to understand more effective ways of reducing LDL levels.

How Does High Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease?

Excessive cholesterol accumulated at the walls of the arteries can lead to heart disease. This is because the arteries shrink due to the fatty deposits, slowing or blocking the blood flow to the heart muscle. Several studies state that LDL and triglyceride levels are primarily responsible for heart concerns. While the former leads to artery-clogging plaque, higher levels of the latter can lead to serious heart disease.

Does Cholesterol Cause Heart Attacks?

Higher levels of LDL particles can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits around the blood vessels, making it challenging for the blood to pass through arteries. The build-up can lead to blockage, cutting off the blood supply to the heart. This can lead to heart attack and also makes cholesterol one of the primary causes of heart attack.

A Note from Sterling Accuris Diagnostics

Cholesterol is important for your body. However, excessive cholesterol is terrible, and so are high cholesterol levels. They can interfere with the routine functioning of your heart, leading to severe complications or issues. Thus, everybody should undergo a cholesterol and heart disease checkup in Vadodara, helping them and their healthcare providers keep track of their levels. 

NHLBI recommends that the first cholesterol test be conducted between the ages of 9 and 11. For adults, especially men between 45 and 65 and women between 55 and 65, the test should be conducted every one or two years, and those above 65 should be done annually.