High Cholesterol Level: How to Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Michael Greger once said and I quote, “Cholesterol, from the wrong kind of fat - doesn't just clog arteries in your brain, also leads to amyloid plaques that question the brain tissue of the Alzheimer's victims”

The blood is known to contain the waxy material in your body, called the cholesterol.

Is Cholesterol Always Bad?

It is seen that even though the cholesterol is known to be necessary for your body to produce the healthy cells, if you have excessive cholesterol that could raise the risk of any heart disease.

It is seen that the High-density lipoproteins or the HDL is referred to as the ‘good’ cholesterol.

Use: It has the responsibility of eliminating your ‘bad’ cholesterol from the bloodstream, by taking away the cholesterol (unnecessary cholesterol) back to the liver organ; this is where it would be broken down.

Consequence: There is a possibility that fatty deposits in the blood vessels would accumulate when the cholesterol is high.

This also prevents the heart to work well and causes blockages with atherosclerotic plaque.

These have the potential to abruptly rupture along with creating the clot that results leading to stroke or a heart attack.

Key Facts on Cholesterol

One cannot live without cholesterol. Mothers Milk and Baby Formula contain the same. Moreover, our body’s cell membranes in the body are made up of a lipid Bi-Layer.
It is seen that Sweating could raise the good cholesterol levels.
The High cholesterol, you are suffering from could also be genetic in nature.

What is Cholesterol and Why are Cholesterol Numbers Important?

The cholesterol numbers are in general, considered to be important as they aid in understanding risk for any heart disease.

High cholesterol indicates high cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Types of Cholesterol and what they mean

The Non-high-density lipoproteins (non-HDL)  is called as ‘bad’ and harmful cholesterol. Too much of the non-HDL leads narrow the blood vessels and increases risk of either a heart attack or a stroke. 
Light Density Cholesterol- Also referred to 'bad' cholesterol being called 'LDL' cholesterol, is a major cause of heart blockage and plaque deposit in the arteries.
Total cholesterol – This includes both the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
HDL (good) cholesterol - HDL helps remove cholesterol from your arteries
Non-HDL – This includes, in general the LDL and other types of the cholesterol for example, VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein).
Triglycerides – A form of fat in the bloodstream that could raise risk for any heart disease, especially in the women population.

Risk Factors of High Cholesterol

There are multiple risk factors for developing High Cholesterol. Some of them are as follows:

Sedentary Lifestyle
Age, Gender and Ethnicity
Genetic Makeup

Lifestyle

Increase in the Saturated Fat minimizes Liver ability to remove it from the body. This leads to a buildup in the blood.
Physically Inactive: Raise your level of “good cholesterol” and minimizes “bad cholesterol”
Smoking: Worsens and makes the tar buildup in the body.

Age, Gender and Ethnicity

Increase in age and getting older is directly proportional to increase in cholesterol levels in blood.
Biological males are more expected to have a high cholesterol level
Ethnic background – South Asians are at more risk for high cholesterol level.

Genetic Makeup

The information that determines the traits or qualities you inherit from your parents is carried by your genes.

Individuals who are born with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) mean that this ailment has been since birth. Even in the absence of additional risk factors, it can result in extremely high cholesterol levels due to defective genes that are frequently handed down through families.

What is Lipoprotein?

Lipoprotein (a), also known as LP(a), is a lipid-transporting protein that is produced in the liver. A condition known as high LP(a) can lead to heart issues such as stroke and heart attack. This is due to the fact that LP(a) is "sticky" and may accumulate in your arteries.

High cholesterol symptoms

Note: It is important to understand that, there would usually be no symptoms of your high cholesterol. But when it is left untreated, it can lead to heart attack and stroke.

High Cholesterol has most often than not seen as a hidden risk factor which indicates it can happen without us knowing until it's too late. That is why it's so important to get your cholesterol level checked.

Specific Symptoms of High Cholesterol

Tendon Xanthomata- Are cholesterol-related swellings on the wrists, knees, or Achilles tendon in the rear of the ankle.
Xanthelasmas - Small, yellow lumps of cholesterol near the inner corner of your eye.
Corneal Arcus - This is a pale white ring around the colored part of your eye, your iris.

Your Cholesterol levels are also seen getting worsened by a few types of medications for health problems, for example:

Irregular Heart Rhythms
Acne
High Blood Pressure
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Organ Transplant

Guidelines to follow before, during and after the Serum Cholesterol Test

Here are some guidelines an individual can refer to once they have decided to undergo Serum Cholesterol Test in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center

The required documents needed for this test includes your valid government ID and an appropriate Doctor’s prescription.

Levels with Good Cholesterol (HDL)
Levels with Bad Cholesterol (Non-HDL)
Triglycerides

A. Before the test

Nothing Specific to prepare Cholesterol tests (Lipid Profile)in advance.
Usually, Fasting is required for a few hours (8-12 hours) before the fasting tumor marker test
Consumption of water is permissible during the fasting period.

B. During the Test

During the blood test, the doctor would take the blood sample from the vein in your arm, using the small needle.
Then, a small amount of blood would be drawn and collected into the corresponding test tube or the vial.
You might feel a little sting when the needle pricks or while it is being removed. This would usually take less than even five minutes.

C. After the Test

There would be slight tenderness at the injection site without any major concern. This patient is expected to get back to their daily life immediately.

How often can one get tested?

Age Wise Distribution

For Those under the Age of 19

Recommended age range for getting your initial test for Cholesterol is between 9 and 11 years old. The test could be repeated every 5 years.

For a family history of the high blood cholesterol, the heart attacks, or with stroke, some children might be asked to get tested from the age of 2.

Individuals Who Are 20 Years of Age or Older

The recommended age for this test every 5 years for the younger adults, and every 1 to 2 years for men and women ages 45 to 65.

Normal Cholesterol Levels (Range) in Healthy Individuals

Test Results	Normal Level (mmol/l)
Total Cholesterol	Less than, equal to 5
HDL (good cholesterol)	Level of 1 and above
Fasting triglycerides	Less than equal to 1.7
Non-fasting triglycerides	Less than equal to 2.3
Non-HDL	Less than equal to 4
Total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio	Less than, equal to 6

Complications of High Cholesterol

The complications that can be experienced by the individuals are the following:

Chest Pain-The person will experience chest pain (angina) and symptoms of the coronary artery disease.
Heart Attack-The plaques in heart might rupture and if blood flow to part of the heart stops, there are chances of heart attack.
Stroke- A stroke would occur when there is a blood clot that has blocked your blood flow to a part of your brain.
Peripheral Vascular Disease

Relation of Cholesterol and Stroke

The Cholesterol plaques the narrow certain arteries that in general lead to your brain. If the artery or vessel carrying this blood to the brain is blocked completely, it could lead to a stroke.

Cholesterol and Diabetes

Many- a times, the Diabetes can throw off the equilibrium between HDL, or "good," and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels.

Diabetic dyslipidemia is a disorder that occurs in people with diabetes who have low amounts of good cholesterol but high levels of bad cholesterol and excessive triglycerides. Diabetic dyslipidemia affects as many as 70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Modifications to a heart-healthy lifestyle,

For Free Consultation from the Doctor

Contact - Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)

Available: 24*7*365

Phone Number: +919212125996

Why Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre should be your preference to for Cholesterol Tests?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre has a long history of offering its patients exceptional service and attention. Years' worth of happy patients in thousands!

Since 2001, it has grown to be a recognized and well-established diagnostic facility.

Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.

NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.

Test report is available digitally too.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.

The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price and Free Home Sample Collection Facility.

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.

We also provide- Free Home Sample Collection, Free Ambulance Service an d Free Consultation from the Doctor itself.

Some of the Cholesterol Tests Conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic are as follows:

How to Lower (Bad) Cholesterol levels

Healthy and Balanced Diet. An eating plan that promotes heart health reduces the consumption of saturated and Trans fats.
Control of Weight. Losing weight can assist in lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol if you are overweight.
Engaging in Exercise- Everybody should engage in 30 minutes a day of physical activity, if not more.
Stress Reduction- Chronic stress might occasionally cause your HDL cholesterol to drop and your LDL cholesterol to rise, according to research.
No smoking -Your HDL cholesterol can rise if you stop smoking. Having higher HDL can help lower your LDL cholesterol because it helps eliminate LDL cholesterol from your arteries.
Medications-You might also need to take medication if altering your lifestyle alone is not enough to reduce your cholesterol.

Note: Statins are one of the cholesterol medications that are available. The medications could have varying adverse effects and operate differently. This, it is important to consult the healthcare physician to determine the best approach for you.

Cost of Cholesterol Tests in Delhi

The Cholesterol Test costs vary by region and facility. So constantly get tested at trustworthy diagnostic centers like Ganesh Diagnostic. It is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to assure patient and visitor safety.

There are multiple tests that are done to monitor your Cholesterol Level. So get your Cholesterol level checked at your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic Center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Improve HDL (good) Cholesterol?

Consuming olive oil
Take a low carbohydrate or ketogenic diet
Exercising regularly
Adding coconut oil to diet
Quit smoking
Lose your weight
Eat fatty fish

What affects cholesterol test?

The following points such as: improper fasting, or medications, some human error, along with other factors would produce false negative or some false positive results. It is important that you test both the HDL and LDL as they are more accurate in nature.

What causes cholesterol?

Cholesterol is caused by fatty food, or when not exercising enough, when you are overweight, smoke and drink alcohol. It can be hereditary and genetic. You can start eating healthily, getting more exercise and medicine. This combination is likely to reduce your cholesterol level.

What keeps cholesterol in check?

The Foods like the oatmeal, the apples, the prunes, and beans are high in fiber (soluble) fiber, which prevents the body from absorbing the cholesterol. According to a research, the people who ate about 5 to 10 more grams have lower cholesterol level ( as it prevents cravings caused for snacking as well)