In the blood, you’ll find a waxy molecule called cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for cell growth and repair, but excessive amounts can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lipid buildup in the arterial walls is a common complication of high cholesterol. This buildup gradually obstructs arterial blood flow. They can create a clot that suddenly breaks out, resulting in a heart attack or stroke, and requires high cholesterol treatment. This article gives you information about the different health problems that cholesterol causes.
Having high cholesterol is risky since it can lead to a variety of other health problems. Cholesterol’s waxy buildup in the blood can combine with other chemicals to form plaque. When plaque builds up inside your arteries, it obstructs the blood from flowing freely. As a result, persistent and sometimes fatal illnesses might take root.
The major causes that can lead to cholesterol:
Smoking or use of tobacco:
The “good” (HDL) cholesterol you have is lowered and the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol you have is increased when you smoke (LDL).
Being under stress:
Hormonal changes brought on by stress promote cholesterol production in the body.
Dietary changes:
What you consume can have an effect on your cholesterol levels. Your cholesterol specialist doctor may suggest seeing a dietitian or making other dietary adjustments.
Drinking too much alcohol:
Consuming excessive quantities of alcohol might increase total cholesterol in the body.
Risk of high cholesterol levels
However, there are a number of health issues that can raise your risk of high cholesterol levels.
Atherosclerosis:
Inflammation of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is exacerbated by cholesterol levels that are too high. When plaque builds up in your arteries, they become stiff and unyielding.
Pain, a heart attack, or a stroke are just some of the potential complications of atherosclerosis, often known as hardening of the arteries. Reaching out to a doctor can help you in prevention and treatment of high cholesterol.
Heart disease:
An elevated cholesterol level is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system. One of the leading causes of heart attacks is high cholesterol. That is the leading cause of death among adults worldwide.
The risk of having a heart attack increases if plaque develops in an artery that supplies blood to the heart. Angina chest pain can occur if even a little section of an artery is clogged. Having a blood clot form in an already constricted artery is extremely dangerous.
Stroke:
Stroke risk is increased when high cholesterol levels create atherosclerosis. If plaque prevents blood from reaching the brain, brain cells die. You just made a huge mistake there. The effects may include difficulty speaking or weakness in one’s arms or legs. This may be long-lasting.
High blood pressure:
When atherosclerosis is brought on by excessive cholesterol levels, the heart needs to work much harder to force blood through arteries that have become stiff. This elevates your blood pressure. The negative impact that elevated cholesterol has on blood pressure is multiplied significantly when people smoke.
Type 2 diabetes:
When high levels of cholesterol lead to atherosclerosis, the heart has to work considerably harder to pump blood through arteries that have become stiff. A devastating health consequence could result from this.
As a result, your already high blood pressure will rise even further. People who smoke have dramatically raised blood pressure, which is a negative impact that is magnified by the negative impact that having high cholesterol brings.
Peripheral Artery Disease:
In addition to the heart, cholesterol can also accumulate in the peripheral arteries. Most cases of this sort occur in the lower body. The congestion hinders blood flow to such regions. Peripheral artery disease is a possible result (PAD). Leg pain is a typical symptom of peripheral artery disease.
Poor circulation makes it difficult for even minor wounds to heal and increases the likelihood that they may get infected. That, if left untreated, can cause gangrene, which can necessitate amputation. In addition to the legs and pelvic arteries, PAD can also affect those in the arms and the stomach.
People with PAD should exercise extra caution when moving their limbs and constantly look for signs of injury or infection.
Obesity:
High cholesterol is associated with the disease of obesity. Obesity is defined as severe fatness. With a BMI of 30 or greater, you are considered obese. Obesity greatly increases a person’s risk of developing high cholesterol.
They are also at a greater risk for developing other risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are linked to high cholesterol. To name just two examples: diabetes and hypertension. Seeking medical help from a general physician in Coimbatore can provide you relief from cholesterol.
Outlook of the condition:
Elevated cholesterol levels don’t necessarily cause any symptoms. You may be living with high blood lipid levels for a long time before you realize it. The only reliable way to find out is to take a blood test.
Even those who have an active lifestyle and report feeling healthy can be affected by high cholesterol. Certain illnesses can increase a person’s likelihood of developing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. It’s important you speak to your specialist to understand the tips to reduce cholesterol .