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Everything You Need to Know About High Cholesterol

By Medical Expert Team

Oct 28 , 2022 | 5 min read

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood that is essential for building cells and producing certain hormones. However, high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Since high cholesterol symptoms are not always noticeable, it is crucial to understand its causes, risk factors, and prevention methods to avoid long-term cardiovascular damage.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol exists in three major forms:

1. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) - "Bad Cholesterol"

High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease.

2. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) - "Good Cholesterol"

HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

3. VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Unlike LDL, VLDL mainly carries triglycerides. High levels of VLDL lead to plaque deposits.

Quick Facts: Cholesterol at a Glance

Silent Killer: Often has no symptoms until a blockage occurs.
Key Levels: Total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/dL.
Risk Factors: Diet, genetics, and conditions like Diabetes and Thyroid issues.

High Cholesterol Symptoms

A common question patients ask is, "What are the high cholesterol symptoms?" The reality is that high cholesterol does not usually cause noticeable symptoms, making it a "silent killer." Regular lipid profile screenings are essential.

However, in severe cases or genetic conditions like Familial Hypercholesterolemia, visible signs may appear:

Xanthelasma: Yellowish fatty deposits on the eyelids.
Corneal Arcus: A grey or white ring around the colored part of your eye (iris).
Xanthomas: Waxy bumps on the skin, elbows, knees, or hands.

Advanced internal symptoms linked to blocked arteries include:

Chest pain (angina)
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or extreme tiredness
Leg pain while walking (Claudication): A sign of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
Numbness or coldness in extremities
Heart attack
Stroke

If you are asking, "Does high blood pressure cause indigestion?" alongside chest discomfort, be cautious. While hypertension itself doesn't cause indigestion, chest pain resembling indigestion can be a warning sign of a heart attack linked to high cholesterol and blood pressure.

How to Diagnose High Cholesterol?

A simple blood test called a lipid panel measures cholesterol levels. Refer to the chart below to understand your numbers:

Type	Optimal Level	High Risk Level
Total Cholesterol	Below 200 mg/dL	240 mg/dL or higher (A reading of 299 cholesterol indicates severe risk)
LDL (Bad)	Below 100 mg/dL	160-189 mg/dL (High)
HDL (Good)	Above 60 mg/dL	Below 40 mg/dL (Men), Below 50 mg/dL (Women)
Triglycerides	Below 150 mg/dL	200 mg/dL or higher

For women, a level of 49 HDL cholesterol or lower is considered borderline risk; aiming for 50+ mg/dL is better.

Read This Blog For More Info: Feelings After a Heart Attack

Causes and Associated Conditions

A high cholesterol level is associated with which condition? It is rarely an isolated issue. Several factors contribute to high cholesterol, including:

Unhealthy Diet: Excessive intake of trans fats found in Vanaspati, baked goods, and deep-fried Indian snacks (samosas, pakoras).
Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle slows metabolism and lowers HDL.
Obesity: Excess weight increases bad cholesterol levels.
Alcohol and Smoking: Smoking lowers HDL and damages blood vessels. Excess alcohol raises triglycerides.
Medical Conditions: High glucose and cholesterol often go hand-in-hand. Other conditions include:

Type 2 Diabetes
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) in women
Kidney Disease

Know more about - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Causes & Relief and PCOS & PCOD Diet Chart – Foods to Eat & Avoid Plan.

Foods to Avoid with High Cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, avoid these foods:

Fried and processed foods (e.g., chips, fast food, baked goods)
Red meat (e.g., beef, pork, lamb)
Full-fat dairy products (e.g., butter, cheese, ghee, full-cream milk)
Sugary beverages (e.g., soda, fruit juices)
Excess alcohol consumption

Complications of High Cholesterol

Heart Disease: Plaque buildup narrows arteries (coronary artery disease).
Stroke: Blocked arteries to the brain.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the legs, causing pain during movement.
Hypertension: Excess cholesterol makes arteries stiff, forcing the heart to work harder.

Read more about - Silent Heart Attacks Symptoms & Causes.

Ways to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Increase fiber (oats, barley, lentils), eat omega-3s (fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts), and replace saturated fats with olive or mustard oil.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for 30 minutes daily. Walking, jogging, and swimming improve HDL levels.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly lower cholesterol.
Quit Smoking: This immediately helps improve your "good" cholesterol.
Medical Intervention: In some cases, lifestyle changes aren't enough. Doctors may prescribe Statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs. These are prescription-only treatments and affect patient financial decisions regarding long-term medication costs.

Learn more about - Effective Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Heart Attack and Constituents of a Healthy Diet: Key Nutrition Components.

Final Takeaway

Managing cholesterol levels is crucial for heart health. By making simple lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, and avoiding harmful habits, you can reduce the risk of heart disease. Regular screenings at BLK Max Hospital ensure your heart stays healthy. Book a preventive health checkup today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the first sign of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. However, visible signs like yellow fatty deposits on eyelids (Xanthelasma) or chest pain can be late-stage signs.

2. Can I lower cholesterol naturally without medication?

Yes, mostly through diet and exercise. However, genetic cases (Familial Hypercholesterolemia) may still require medical support.

3. How often should I check my cholesterol levels?

Adults should get tested every 4-6 years starting at age 20, or more frequently if you have diabetes, PCOS, or high blood pressure.

4. Is high cholesterol hereditary?

Yes, Familial Hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition where cholesterol is high regardless of diet.

5. What foods help lower cholesterol?

Oats, walnuts, fatty fish, olive oil, and fiber-rich vegetables can help reduce cholesterol. How to reduce LDL cholesterol naturally starts with increasing soluble fiber.

6. Does beer increase blood pressure?

Yes, excessive alcohol, including beer, raises both blood pressure and triglycerides.

7. How often should I check my cholesterol levels?

Adults age 20 and older should have a lipid panel checked every 4 to 6 years.

8. How to reduce LDL cholesterol specifically?

Focus on eliminating trans fats (fried foods) and increasing soluble fiber intake. Weight loss of even 5-10% can also drastically reduce LDL.

Disclaimer: The information provided below is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a cardiologist or internal medicine specialist for personalized diagnosis and treatment.