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What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's naturally present in the body. Although we often think of cholesterol as being bad for us, the substance does have important functions. Your body needs it to make vitamin D, manufacture hormones and produce some substances that aid in digestion.

Health problems arise when levels of some types of cholesterol become elevated above normal range. Called low-density lipoprotein or (LDL), this type of cholesterol can form deposits in the arteries, reducing blood flow. Your body has a natural process to reduce the risk of “bad” cholesterol building up in blood vessels. It involves another type of “good” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which helps move excess LDL to the liver, where it can be broken down. Unfortunately, if LDL levels become too high or HDL levels are too low, this process becomes ineffective, leading to blockages in blood vessels.

To diagnose high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia, health care providers primarily look at total cholesterol, which is the amount of all types of cholesterol present in the blood. Typically, your health care provider will diagnose you with hyperlipidemia if your total cholesterol is above 200 mg/dL, but they may recommend treatments and lifestyle changes before your cholesterol reaches that level, especially if you have or are at risk for heart disease.

Causes of High Cholesterol

There are many potential causes of high cholesterol, including:

• Diet. Consuming too much trans fat and saturated fat can cause LDL levels to rise.
• Lack of exercise. Regular physical activity contributes to normal HDL levels. Those who don’t exercise may have low HDL, which increases the likelihood of high LDL.
• Smoking. Cigarettes have been shown to reduce HDL levels, making it more difficult for the body to remove “bad” LDL from blood vessels.
• Alcohol usage. People who drink alcohol regularly are more likely to have high total cholesterol levels.
• Age. In older adults, the liver may be less efficient at breaking down bad cholesterol.
• Medical conditions. Some medical conditions can cause high bad cholesterol or low good cholesterol, such as kidney disease, diabetes, lupus, hypothyroidism and HIV/AIDS.
• Medications. High LDL or low HDL can be a side effect of some medications, including those used to treat acne, cancer, high blood pressure and arrhythmia.

Often, more than one factor contributes to high cholesterol. In some cases, your health care provider may not be able to determine exactly why your cholesterol is high.

‍Symptoms of High Cholesterol

‍Unfortunately, high cholesterol is unlikely to cause any symptoms until levels become dangerously high. As a result, most people find out they have high cholesterol after routine blood work. Most experts recommend that older adults be tested for high cholesterol at least once every year.

‍Risks of High Cholesterol

‍If not treated, high cholesterol can cause serious blockages that reduce blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol is also a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. The good news is that a treatment plan can lower the likelihood of health complications due to high cholesterol.

‍How to Lower Cholesterol

‍Often, treatment for high cholesterol involves both lifestyle changes and clinical interventions. If you have high cholesterol, your health care provider will recommend treatments for you based on your age, health history, cholesterol levels and other factors. Some common components of cholesterol treatment plans include:

• Medications. Prescription drugs are often the first-line treatment for high cholesterol. There are many classes of cholesterol-lowering medications, including statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
• Dietary changes. Often, health care providers recommend reducing intake of trans and saturated fat and eating more foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains like oats.
• Increasing physical activity. Exercising regularly through gentle activities like walking or swimming can help support higher HDL levels and promote heart health.
• Weight management. Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise may lead to improvements in cholesterol levels.
• Other lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking and drinking only in moderation are frequently recommended for seniors who have high cholesterol.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider About Cholesterol

‍If you’re concerned about high cholesterol, schedule an appointment to discuss it with your health care provider. They can order a blood test to determine what your numbers are and recommend treatments and lifestyle changes that can help lower your cholesterol. Residents of Cambridge Court senior living community can schedule complimentary transportation to their appointment for added convenience.