However, the guidelines also note that PCSK9 inhibitors are expensive, and insurance companies may not cover their cost. For this reason, this option is likely to be only for those with a very high risk. A person should not stop taking a statin without speaking to a doctor, as they may increase their risk of cardiovascular problems. Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not produced enough evidence to support treatment to a specific target. Guidelines published in consider this calculator and essential tool for assessing cholesterol levels and their risk.
Read this article to find out the…. A cholesterol test is a blood test that can show whether a person needs to take action to reduce their cholesterol levels to lower their risk of….
Doctors advise people to limit their overall cholesterol but maximize levels of high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol. Why is this, and it is…. There are two types of cholesterol. One is harmful, and builds up in the arteries, but the other can actually benefit the body. In this MNT Knowledge…. In this article, learn about the different kinds of cholesterol, what different factors affect cholesterol levels, and when to contact a doctor.
What causes high cholesterol? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. What is cholesterol? Causes of high cholesterol.
High cholesterol symptoms. Cholesterol in foods. Levels and ranges. Preventing high cholesterol. How can high cholesterol be treated? Complications of high cholesterol. If your numbers are too high, you can take steps to lower your risk for both heart disease and stroke. Besides following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, take medications as instructed if your doctor prescribes them.
High cholesterol alone is not thought to cause erectile dysfunction ED , but plaque-clogged arteries can, because blood flow is essential to an erection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Both of these factors can lead to ED as well. While stress is not a primary cause of high cholesterol, it may still have an effect on cholesterol levels. A study published in May in the journal Medicine found that in people who experienced stress due to work or personal conflict, higher stress was a risk factor for high cholesterol.
And when you are feeling stressed and pressed for time, you may be less likely to follow heart-healthy lifestyle measures, such as eating a nutritious diet and getting exercise. The study found that regular physical exercise had a strong protective effect against cholesterol. In addition to statins, which should always be used first, other cholesterol-lowering drugs include fibrates, niacin , PCSK9 inhibitors, bile-acid sequestrants, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, according to the CDC.
If you found out your cholesterol was high after a routine checkup, discuss your test results with your doctor. Your doctor will calculate your individual risk of heart attack or stroke to decide if you should be on a statin. In some cases, the doctor may recommend giving a healthy diet and active lifestyle a try first. However, if your cholesterol levels remain high, you may need a heart scan to look for plaque buildup in your arteries, and your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs to lower your heart-disease and stroke risk.
According to a study published in April in the journal Circulation , a healthy lifestyle — defined as not smoking, doing moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a healthy diet — was associated with an average of 14 more years of life for women and 12 for men.
Additional reporting by Erica Patino. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Eating too many foods that contain high amounts of fat increases the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood. This is known as high cholesterol , also called hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. If levels of LDL cholesterol are too high, or levels of HDL cholesterol are too low, fatty deposits build up in your blood vessels.
These deposits will make it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. This could cause problems throughout your body , particularly in your heart and brain, or it could be fatal. In most cases it only causes emergency events. For instance, a heart attack or stroke can result from the damage caused by high cholesterol. Plaque can narrow arteries so less blood can pass through. The formation of plaque changes the makeup of your arterial lining. This could lead to serious complications.
A blood test is the only way to know if your cholesterol is too high. Ask your doctor to give you a cholesterol test after you turn 20 years old. Then get your cholesterol rechecked every 4 to 6 years. Your doctor may also suggest you have your cholesterol checked more frequently if you have a family history of high cholesterol.
Or if you demonstrate the following risk factors:. There is a condition passed through genes that causes high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia. They may experience xanthoma , which can appear as a yellow patch above the skin, or a lump underneath the skin.
Symptoms of heart disease may be different for men and women. However, heart disease remains the number one killer of both sexes in the United States. The most common symptoms include:. The buildup of plaque caused by high cholesterol can put you at serious risk of having the blood supply to an important part of your brain reduced or cut off. This is what happens when a stroke occurs. A stroke is a medical emergency. These symptoms include:. The arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow due to the buildup of plaque.
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