"Cholesterol" is a word we hear all the time these days. Perhaps a friend, relative, or even you yourself have heard this word after a medical checkup. It's normal to feel a little scared when the doctor says, "Your cholesterol is a little high, be careful." But don't be afraid. This is something that can be completely controlled if you understand it properly and do the necessary things. Let's talk about this simply and kindly today.
Simply put, cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our blood. Our body cells actually need some cholesterol. But the problem starts when there is too much of it. This excess cholesterol can build up in the blood vessels and clog them. This can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes later on.
How do you know exactly if you have cholesterol?
The best way to check your cholesterol levels is to get a blood test. Your doctor will ask you to do this blood test. We call this a lipid profile test. This will give you a report on several main things.
| What is being tested? | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | The total amount of cholesterol in the blood. |
| LDL Cholesterol (bad cholesterol) | This is the main type that builds up in the blood vessels and causes blockages. It is very important to keep this level low. |
| HDL Cholesterol (good cholesterol) | This type of cholesterol carries bad cholesterol from the arteries to the liver for removal. Therefore, having a high level of this is good for the body. |
| Triglycerides | This is also a type of fat found in the blood. It is mainly produced from the food we eat. An increase in this level is not good for the heart. |
It's generally a good idea for anyone to get this test done at least every few years after the age of 20. It's especially wise to get checked regularly as recommended by your doctor, especially if someone in your family has high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease, if you smoke, or if you're overweight.
What are the methods for controlling cholesterol?
Imagine, your lipid profile report says your cholesterol is a little high. What do you do now? The doctor won't prescribe medication right away. First, he'll see if you can control it by changing your lifestyle.
1. Lifestyle changes - the first step before medication
This is the most important and first thing to do.
- Change your diet: Reduce your intake of oils, fried foods, high-fat foods (saturated fats), red meat (beef, pork), fast food, and sugary drinks. Instead, include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains (like oats). It's also a good idea to use olive oil instead of coconut oil.
- Exercise: Doctors recommend at least 2 1/2 hours of exercise per week. This doesn't mean you have to go to the gym. It can be as simple as brisk walking, running, or cycling. As long as you set aside 30 minutes a day, you're good to go.
- Lose excess weight: If you are overweight, losing it can be a great help in controlling cholesterol.
- Avoid smoking completely: Smoking lowers "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels and increases damage to blood vessels.
Remember, these lifestyle changes are not temporary. This is something you need to make a habit of for the rest of your life.
When are medications needed?
Sometimes, despite lifestyle changes, your cholesterol levels don't go down as much as you'd like. Also, if you have other risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor may decide to start you on medication.
There are several types of medications for cholesterol. Your doctor will choose the most suitable medication for you based on factors such as your age, health condition, and cholesterol level.
| Drug category | How it works |
|---|---|
| Statins | These are the most commonly used types of medication. They reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver. For example: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin. |
| Bile acid-binding drugs | These force the liver to use more cholesterol. |
| Cholesterol absorption inhibitors | We limit the absorption of cholesterol from the food we eat into the intestines. |
| Fibrates | These mainly help to reduce triglyceride levels. |
| PCSK9 inhibitors | These are a relatively new, powerful class of drugs. They are given as injections. They help the liver remove excess LDL ("bad") cholesterol. |
Important: Some of these medications may be more expensive than others. Also, never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause serious problems. If you have a problem with the cost of your medication, talk to your doctor about it. He or she may be able to suggest an alternative.
Let's also learn about supplements.
Some people are interested in various supplements to lower cholesterol. For example, they use things like fish oil, red yeast rice, and oat bran. Some of these have been found to have some cholesterol-lowering properties in research.
But the most important thing is to talk to your doctor before using any of these supplements. Because some supplements can interact with other medications you are already taking. Also, there may be questions about their quality and safety. Therefore, do not use these without medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- High cholesterol is like a silent enemy. It cannot be detected without a blood test. Therefore, get checked regularly as per your doctor's advice.
- The first and most important step in treatment is to adopt a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
- If you need medication, take it exactly as your doctor prescribes, for the prescribed period of time. Never change or stop your medication on your own.
- Before using the various supplements available on the market, be sure to consult your doctor.
- Controlling cholesterol is a long journey, but with the right knowledge and dedication, you can definitely keep your heart healthy and live a happy life!
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