Managing your Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels do not have symptoms in and of themselves, but they may have a harmful impact on your heart over time.

In our fast-paced world, it is easy to lose sight of our health. In this blog, we will attempt to understand how cholesterol impacts our bodies and how we may fix our cholesterol levels. We will also look at how an online doctor can help you keep your cholesterol levels in check.

What Is Cholesterol?

Heart disease symptoms vary between cisgender men and females, although the condition is equally harmful to both sexes.

Your liver creates cholesterol, which is a waxy molecule resembling fat. It is required to synthesise the membranes of cells, vitamin D, and certain hormones.

Because cholesterol cannot dissolve in water, it cannot pass through the human body alone. That's where lipoproteins come in, Lipoproteins are particles that aid in cholesterol transport within the blood. They are classified into two types:

• LDLs, "Bad cholesterol," may accumulate in the arterial systems and cause major health issues such as stroke or heart attack.
• Excessive consumption of high-fat meals raises the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. This is referred to as high cholesterol, commonly known as hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia.
• HDLs occasionally referred to as "Good cholesterol," aid in the return of cholesterol from the arteries into the liver, where it is eliminated.

Fatty deposits pile up in one's blood vessels if their LDL cholesterol levels get too elevated, or their HDL cholesterol levels get excessively low. The buildup then obstructs the flow of blood via their arteries. This might create issues across the body, especially in the brain and heart, or even prove deadly.

How to Detect High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol does not usually create any symptoms. In most circumstances, it is only detected in emergency situations. For example, a stroke or a heart attack might come from harm caused by excessive cholesterol.

These episodes usually do not occur until excessive cholesterol causes plaque in one's arteries. Plaque may restrict arteries, allowing less blood to flow through. Plaque development alters the composition of one's artery lining. This has significant consequences.

Blood tests are the only method to determine whether one's cholesterol is excessively high. This entails having an overall cholesterol level of over two hundred(mg/dL). It is advised that after the age of 20, one should get a test for cholesterol from their doctor. And then, every four to six years, one should get their cholesterol level tested again.

If you have a history of elevated cholesterol levels in your family, your doctor could also advise you to have your cholesterol tested more regularly. They may also recommend treatment if you have elevated blood pressure, are overweight or smoke.

If you or a loved one falls victim to diseases caused by high cholesterol levels, Prime Medic provides sick and carer leave certificates so you don’t have to worry about work until you or your loved one gets better.

Recommended Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol level is easily diagnosed with a medical procedure known as a lipid profile. In this procedure, a medical professional draws a blood sample and then delivers it to an authorised laboratory for examination. The medical professional also requests that the patient refrain from eating or drinking for a minimum of 12 hours before the test.

Overall cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are all measured in the lipid profile. The following are the levels one must have:

• LDL cholesterol levels that are below 100 mg/dL.
• Triglycerides lower than 150 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol levels that are 40 mg/dL or greater

Total cholesterol qualifies as "borderline high" when it is between the range of 200-239 mg/dL. In contrast, it is deemed "high" when it is more than 240 mg/dL.

LDL cholesterol qualifies as "borderline high" when it is between the range of 130-159 mg/dL.It is deemed "high" when it is more than 160 mg/dL.

If one's HDL cholesterol level is less than 40 mg/dL, they are said to have "poor" HDL cholesterol.

If one’s HDL levels are alarming, they can book an online doctor’s appointment to make lifestyle changes to ensure they don’t contract a life-threatening disease.

How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

It is suggested that all adults past the age of twenty get their cholesterol levels tested every four to six years. If they have a greater likelihood of having elevated cholesterol, they might want to get their cholesterol tested more often.

You may require more regular cholesterol examinations if you have many relatives with cholesterol issues, particularly if it has impacted their grandparents or parents.

Since high cholesterol has no signs in its initial stages, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Consume a balanced diet, exercise frequently, and get your cholesterol levels tested at a medical facility regularly.

You may also avoid high cholesterol by consuming a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, eliminating smoking, having a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption.

If you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels, book an online doctor’s appointment with Prime Medic today and get an online pathology referral to get your lipid profile checked.