- By Iram Hussain
- Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
High cholesterol, the major cause of rising heart diseases nowadays is a condition that occurs when there are too many lipids or fats in the blood. When the body can’t use all of it, the excess fat starts building up in the arteries, which, combined with other substances in the blood, form a plaque. This fatty deposit keeps on growing, causing difficulty in blood flow through the arteries. If left untreated, the deposits can suddenly break, leading to the formation of clots and thus a heart attack or a stroke.
According to the WHO, high cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and have affected approximately 2.6 million people worldwide. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is required to build healthy cells but high cholesterol can be a silent killer. It does not show any symptoms until the condition is severe, so it is important to keep a check on the cholesterol levels in the body.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Brajesh Kumar Mishra - Interventional cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram explained how high cholesterol is a major factor that contributes to increasing heart diseases.
Risk Factors That Contribute Towards Unhealthy Cholesterol
Diet- A poor diet with too much fat can increase the risk of high cholesterol.
Excess weight- Obesity or excess weight can significantly contribute towards high cholesterol as it can reduce heart function, posing difficulties.
Lack of physical activity- A sedentary lifestyle with little or no exercise can lead to the formation of unhealthy cholesterol.
Smoking or alcohol- Intake of toxic substances, like smoking or consuming excess alcohol, can put the heart at risk by affecting cholesterol level
Age- With age, the liver cannot function properly to remove unhealthy cholesterol and usually affects people after the age of 40.
Unhealthy or high cholesterol levels can be inherited through genes but usually result from unhealthy lifestyle choices. Treatment options include medications but they are advised only when they cannot be controlled or managed in other ways. Managing cholesterol includes a healthy diet along with lifestyle changes.
Tips To Lower Higher Cholesterol
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables like cabbage, carrots, spinach, and whole grains.
- Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and physical activities
- Quitting smoking and alcohol
- Managing stress through meditation or practising yoga for a healthier heart
The doctor said, it is important to pick the call when there is high cholesterol, i.e., it is advised not to ignore any silent signs and symptoms of high cholesterol and take quick action. Diagnosing unhealthy cholesterol at an early stage can prevent heart conditions and help to promote a healthy life. It is important to go for regular checkups and incorporate lifestyle modifications. As prevention is better than cure, timely intervention can help to manage the cholesterol effectively and provide good care.