Most of the systems in the human body work on feedback mechanisms like the working of the Pituitary gland. The same is the case with the absorption of cholesterol. The human body makes about 1gm of cholesterol daily. Therefore if we consume food with more fats, the body stops its production. But people who consume food having higher cholesterol concentrations are at risk of various side effects. Today we will discuss the side effects of high cholesterol in the blood and some ways to control them.
High Cholesterol Levels? How to know?
Higher levels of cholesterol often show a variety of symptoms which prompt both patient and doctor to go for thorough testing. The simple way to check the concentration of cholesterol in the body is by Lipid Profile. Doctors advise patients to come early in the morning with overnight fasting. Laboratory technicians draw small blood from the vein of the patient. The recommended levels of cholesterol are as follows:
Total cholesterol level – less than 200
LDL cholesterol levels – less than 130
HDL cholesterol levels – 60
Triglycerides – less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) is best.
Side Effects of High Cholesterol
The symptoms of high cholesterol levels are also the side effects because high cholesterol causes different conditions and diseases. The following are common diseases caused due to higher concentrations of cholesterol in the blood. These make it harder for blood to pass through small arteries and veins.
Angina: Common Side Effects of High Cholesterol
Angina causes chest pain, a feeling of weight or squeezing in the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back. The pain can also appear as indigestion. Eventually, these plaques rupture and make it difficult for blood to flow through arteries. And blood begins to clot on their rough surface. If there will be a large number of blood clots, it closes the perforation of the artery, which stops the blood supply to the affected part of the heart. This condition can lead to a heart attack.
Coronary Heart Disease
Blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are Coronary Arteries. Coronary arteries or coronary heart disease is the name of a disease in which cholesterol builds up in the walls of the coronary arteries. It forms a lump called plaque. The plaque holds cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances present in the blood.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the process by which cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries. If we consume more food it makes our body high in cholesterol. Then, cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries and narrows their pores. Over time, these plaques begin to harden, and the pores become narrower, affecting the heart’s blood supply. As a result, the heart also experiences a decrease in oxygen it needs to survive.
Heart Attack – Side Effects of High Cholesterol
When there will be a large number of blood clots, it closes the disrupts the flow of blood through the artery, which stops the flow of blood to the affected part of the heart. If the blood supply is not restored quickly, the affected part of the heart begins to die. This condition is called a heart attack. This condition occurs when a person consumes more poultry foods and the amount of cholesterol in the۔ and the amount of cholesterol in the blood is higher than normal
Stroke
When a clot interferes with blood flow in the brain, it causes a stroke. It is one of the main causes of disability.
How to Lower Blood Cholesterol Level?
To keep your blood cholesterol levels within normal limits, there are different ways including dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Role of Food in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Food plays a significant role in lowering the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Following is the list of heart-friendly
Flour and Fruits
Flour makes up a massive part of the human diet. Lower the amount of LDL, it helps. LDL is harmful to health. In addition, apples, bananas, beans, and pears are also helpful in lowering cholesterol. It is believed that the consumption of fruits raises cholesterol while the opposite is true. For this purpose, 40 to 50 grams of fruits should be used but these fruits should be in simple and natural form. Salty, sugary, or fried fruits are harmful.
Fish
Consuming fish in the winter season is very beneficial for the heart. Small clots do not form in the blood which can lead to a heart attack. You need to eat fish at least twice a week for this purpose. But remember! to gain maximum benefit from fish, fry it without oil or ghee.
Vegetables and Dry Fruits
Vegetables keep cholesterol-based diseases at bay as they hold sterol which prevents cholesterol from absorbing into the blood. Walnuts, Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, and lentils are also helpful in lowering cholesterol.
Olive Oil
Olive oil holds ingredients that lower LDL, the bad cholesterol, and release the good cholesterol HDL. As it contains a lot of good cholesterol, it does not mean exceeding its amount in the diet. Do not use more than 20 to 25 grams of olive oil in a day.
Tea
We all love tea. Tea protects against cancer and lowers cholesterol. For this purpose, use only coffee as adding milk not only cuts the beneficial effects of tea but also the milk loses its usefulness. Therefore, drink milk separately. The use of sugar in tea is also harmful. However, adding cinnamon, cardamom, and lemon juice to tea increases its effectiveness.
Say No to Processed Foods
To lower the level of cholesterol you must have to say No to processed foods such as processed canola and other vegetable oils. Avoid using high cholesterol foods such as egg yolks, whole milk products, potato snacks, bacon, whole cheese products, and other processed foods.
Lifestyle Changes
A sedentary lifestyle negatively impacts the health of any individual so we need some adjustments in our lifestyle in order to stay away from diseases. Here is a list of some tips to bring positive changes.
- Regular work out
- Quit Smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
Medication to Lower Cholesterol Levels – Statins
Studies show that lowering the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood by using cholesterol-lowering drug statins can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, statins reduce the risk of atheroma. As a result, people with a history of heart disease may receive benefits from statins regardless of their cholesterol levels. A total of 9% increase in deaths from heart disease was noted in early years. The total mortality of people over the age of 50 increased by 11%. Research into the causes of this condition is limited, but some studies have linked it to depression, cancer, and hemorrhage. Low cholesterol levels are usually a consequence rather than a cause of an underlying disease.
Recommendations by Dietitians
Dietitians recommend that the amount of dietary cholesterol should not exceed 300 mg daily. A report from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommends focusing on healthy foods rather than controlling side effects of high cholesterol or its limits. As it is difficult for physicians and people to implement. One study found that total cholesterol levels in the blood affect heart health and mortality, a relationship that is more pronounced in adolescents. Because heart disease is rare in young people, the effect of high cholesterol on health is greater in older people.
