High Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) that lives in your blood, derived from the food you eat. Your cells need cholesterol, but often various causes can lead to its buildup in your arteries. Having high cholesterol can produce severe consequences as it inhibits your blood flow.

Why do cholesterol levels matter?

By measuring your levels and comparing it with other risk factors, Dr. Gangupantula can more accurately assess your chances of being affected by blood-related problems. These other risk factors include:

• Your blood pressure
• Whether or not you have diabetes
• Your age, sex, and race
• Whether or not you smoke
  
  

Dr. Gangupantula can best assess your cholesterol levels to identify any risks for a heart attack or stroke.

What affects cholesterol levels?

Myriad factors can affect your cholesterol levels, including:

• The food you eat
• Being overweight
• Being inactive
• Your age
• Your family history
  
  

Therefore, high cholesterol tends to be caused by:

• Eating foods with too much saturated fat or trans fat
• Being overweight, which may increase triglycerides and decrease good cholesterol
• Lack of physical activity
• Being over the age of 20, which is when your cholesterol naturally begins to rise
• Having certain diseases such as hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and some liver diseases
• Having family members who’ve had high cholesterol, as it may run in your family
• Smoking cigarettes
• Taking certain medicines that raise triglyceride levels and lower good cholesterol levels
  
  

As every individual differs in bodily processes, visiting Dr. Gangupantula can clarify any concerns you may have about your habits.

What are symptoms of having high cholesterol?

High cholesterol does not produce symptoms. You should have regular blood tests performed to measure your cholesterol levels.

What effect does having high cholesterol produce?

Having high cholesterol can spiral toward diseases and heart problems caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in your artery walls. Atherosclerosis is known to:

• Narrow your arteries
• Harden your arteries
• Block your arteries
  
  

Early detection and health care can improve your well-being before you reach atherosclerosis.

What are risk factors for high cholesterol levels?

Many risk factors for high cholesterol are within your control. These include:

• Eating foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol
• Being overweight
• Not being active every day
• Smoking

However, there are some risk factors you can’t change, including:

• Family history
• Age
• Gender

Dr. Gangupantula can best assess how to manage the risk factors you face. Schedule an appointment at Valley Diabetes & Obesity to optimize your health