Published on Mar 21, 2024 | 9:40 AM
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Statistically, two in five Americans have high cholesterol, with more than 96 million American adults over 20 years also being at risk. (1)(2) That’s not to say cholesterol in itself is bad, with it being a naturally occurring substance that is not only developed by the food you eat but also as a function of the liver. The human body features bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). (3) When a person has high cholesterol, they develop an imbalance of LDL and HDL. The imbalance generally means high levels of LDL, which can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
High cholesterol typically does not cause noticeable symptoms on its own. It is often referred to as a "silent" condition because individuals may not experience any specific signs or symptoms. However, over an extended period of time, high cholesterol can contribute to the development of serious health problems such as:
High cholesterol does not have one direct cause but develops over time due to a number of genetic, lifestyle, and dietary factors. The most common include:
High cholesterol levels, particularly elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances in the walls of arteries. This buildup forms plaques, which is a condition known as atherosclerosis. Over time, these plaques can narrow and stiffen the arteries, reducing blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. Happening slowly and often taking years to develop, conditions that arise from this process can affect critical parts of the body.
In the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart, atherosclerosis can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD). Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can cause chest pain or angina, and if a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot that blocks blood flow to part of the heart, resulting in a heart attack. (4)
In the carotid arteries supplying blood to the brain, atherosclerosis increases the risk of stroke. A blood clot or a piece of plaque that breaks off can travel to the brain, blocking a blood vessel and causing a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (usually on one side of the body), difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, severe headache, and unexplained dizziness or loss of balance. (5)
High cholesterol levels can also contribute to peripheral artery disease (PAD), where arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities. Symptoms of PAD may include leg pain or cramping during physical activity (intermittent claudication), slow-healing wounds on the legs or feet, coldness or numbness in the extremities, and weak or absent pulses in the legs. (6)
For a high cholesterol diagnosis, a healthcare provider will normally conduct a blood test measuring the following:
Alongside a risk assessment, doctors are normally able to tell you whether you have high cholesterol, on the path of developing it, or at normal levels. It’s recommended to get this test every four to six years if your cholesterol is at normal levels and you have no family history. However, those with a family history of high cholesterol or other chronic conditions should be checked annually. (11) Annual checkups are additionally recommended for men at 45 and women at 55.
When it comes to high cholesterol treatment, doctors generally advise for dietary and lifestyle changes before offering medications. In the event that medications are needed, the following examples have proven the most effective:
Yes, it is possible to lower and even reverse high cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication prescribed by a healthcare provider. Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in:
Such a diet can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol. Additionally, when used in conjunction with a healthy diet, the following will help balance a person’s cholesterol:
Each is important in managing cholesterol levels. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications to further reduce cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring and medical evaluation are essential for effective cholesterol management and overall heart health.
Alongside high cholesterol treatment, management can be applied in multiple ways and has proven effective for most of those who stick to the changes. These can include:
While there are conditions that can make a person more susceptible to developing high cholesterol, like diabetes, an underactive thyroid, and kidney disease, preventing high cholesterol early on is entirely possible. High cholesterol prevention starts in childhood, being largely dependent on a lifestyle that includes exercise and a healthy diet. If you’re concerned about high cholesterol, regular testing will help you get the best idea of where your levels are and where they need to be based on recommendations from your healthcare provider.
Call-On-Doc can help those with high cholesterol, offering high cholesterol treatment and effective medications so you can gain control of the condition and improve your quality of life. Alongside same day prescriptions, Call-On-Doc offers an easy way to get prescription refills or labs to help you manage and monitor your overall health.
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
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