You may think, "I have no problems, I am very healthy." It is really good to feel that way. But did you know that there are conditions that can silently harm us inside our bodies without showing any symptoms? One such silent enemy is "high cholesterol." Many people find out that their cholesterol levels are dangerously high after a major problem like a heart attack suddenly occurs. So, how valuable is it to be aware of this in advance and take the necessary steps before it happens? Today, let's talk about what exactly this cholesterol is and how to know if it is high.
Heart disease risk
Check the risk of developing a heart disease within the next 10 years with the Framingham Score
Why is it so important to check cholesterol?
Simply put, cholesterol is a type of fat found in our blood. Our bodies actually need some cholesterol to build healthy cells. But the problem starts when this cholesterol level gets too high.
Think about the water pipes in your home. What happens if the inside of those pipes gets dirty and rusty? The water flow gets blocked, the pressure increases, and eventually the pipes can burst. In the same way, when cholesterol increases, fat starts to deposit inside our blood vessels (arteries). In medicine, we call this (atherosclerosis) . When blood vessels become clogged in this way, the heart does not get the required amount of blood. This is the beginning of serious conditions like heart disease and heart attack.
The important thing is that you don't feel any pain, discomfort, or symptoms from high cholesterol. That's the biggest danger of this. The only way you can know for sure is to get a blood test.
In general, it is important for everyone to have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years after the age of 20. Doing so can help reduce your risk of heart disease if your levels are high. Even if you already have heart disease, controlling your cholesterol can help prevent further damage.
What is the blood test that checks cholesterol levels?
When you go to see a doctor, he or she will order a simple blood test called a lipid profile to check your cholesterol levels. This is the standard procedure. This test provides information about four main things. Let's see what they are.
| What is being tested? | Simply meaning |
|---|---|
| LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) | This is what we call "bad cholesterol." These are the ones that build up on the walls of blood vessels and clog them. The lower this value is, the better. |
| HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) | We call this "good cholesterol." Like a garbage collector, this HDL cholesterol carries excess LDL cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver for disposal. So the higher this value, the safer we are. |
| Triglycerides | This is another type of fat found in the blood. The body stores the extra calories we eat in this way. An increase in this level also increases the risk of heart disease. This value should also be kept low . |
| Total Cholesterol | This is the total amount of LDL, HDL, and other types of cholesterol in your blood. This alone does not give a complete picture, and the doctor makes decisions by comparing it with other values. |
What should you do before a blood test?
Usually, you are asked to fast for about 9-12 hours before having this blood test. This means that you should not eat or drink anything other than water. This is to prevent false readings on triglycerides due to your last meal. However, your doctor or the lab will give you specific instructions on what to do before donating blood.
What else happens when you meet the doctor?
Your doctor won't make decisions based on just a blood test report. He'll try to understand your overall health. This may include:
- A complete physical examination: Your entire body will be examined.
- Talking about your medical history: You will be asked a lot of questions, such as other medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, high blood pressure), the medications you take, and whether anyone in your family has heart disease.
- Lifestyle questions: Ask about your diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Listening to your heartbeat: A stethoscope listens to the sound of your heart beating.
- Blood pressure measurement: Checking your blood pressure is also something you should definitely do.
By combining all this information, the doctor determines your risk of heart disease and how much your cholesterol levels affect you.
Should you be worried if you find out that your cholesterol level is high?
Not necessarily. Knowing that your cholesterol levels are high doesn't mean you have a problem, it's the first step to finding a solution. If your report shows that your levels are a little high, your doctor will talk to you and determine the best treatment plan for you.
This could include things like:
1. Lifestyle and diet changes: This is the first and most important thing. Things like reducing foods high in oil, sugar, and salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising daily, and quitting smoking can make a big difference.
2. Prescribing medication: Sometimes, especially if you have other risk factors (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease), diet and exercise alone may not be enough to control your cholesterol levels. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., statins).
If your doctor thinks your risk is too high, he or she may refer you to a cardiologist. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and not be afraid of anything.
💡 Take-Home Message
- High cholesterol is a "silent enemy" that has no symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to get a blood test.
- It is very important for everyone over the age of 20 to have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every 5 years.
- A simple blood test called a lipid profile can give you a clear picture of your good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.
- Don't worry if your cholesterol level is high. It's a manageable condition. Talk to your doctor and follow his advice.
- A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are the best medicine for controlling cholesterol.
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