Cholesterol is a component that is found in every cell or membrane of the body. Actually, cholesterol forms a very important building block for the constructions of some of the hormones in the body. Since the body produces cholesterol by itself, any other source of cholesterol is just an unwanted addition resulting in conditions of High Cholesterol.
In very rare circumstances, the cells in an individual’s body are found to be contributing to a lot of cholesterol making the individual extremely susceptible to High Cholesterol diseases.
What are the causes of High Cholesterol?
Lipoproteins present in the blood in our body are very important to control the cholesterol levels. There are two types of Lipoproteins – Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density (HDL) Lipoproteins. High Density Lipoproteins are considered to be the cholesterol good for the flow of blood and the arteries. High Cholesterol is characterized by hardening of the walls of arteries that is directly contributed to the uncontrolled buildup of LDL.
What are the risk factors for High Cholesterol?
Periods of physical inactivity coupled with obesity and eating unhealthy foods contribute to high cholesterol. High cholesterol is also caused due to Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Smoking.
Diabetes – Uncontrolled stimulation of glucose levels in the body cause a direct increase in the LDL cholesterol. This directly is responsible for causing High Cholesterol in individuals. Additionally, Diabetes is known to cause damage to the walls of the arteries.
High Blood Pressure – The arteries will have to be in fine working condition to ensure that fatty acids do not accumulate in the arteries. High Blood Pressure damages the arteries causing the fatty acids to start accumulating in the arteries causing High Cholesterol.
Smoking – Smoking is directly responsible for reduction of HDL causing High Cholesterol. Smoking also contributes to damage of walls to blood vessels hence causing fatty acids to accumulate.
How can High Cholesterol be treated?
Treatment for High Cholesterol includes the effective combination of changes to lifestyle and medication. Individuals suffering from High Cholesterol need to quit smoking and start exercising regularly. Minor dietary changes help in individuals getting rid of, High Cholesterol. Doctors prescribing medications to individuals can choose amongst Statins, Bile-binding resins, Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, Fibrates and Niacin.
Needless to say, High Cholesterol is not one of those disorders which cannot be cured after detection. The key is for individuals to detect that they are suffering from High Cholesterol timely. Late detection of High Cholesterol may make things too complicated for individuals.