My cholesterol is high

Each time I go for medical test, my cholesterol is always said to be high. I have tried everything possible to bring it down to no avail. Kindly let me know what to do about this.

Chikezie (by SMS)

Causes of high cholesterol include diet, smoking, and genetics. High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms, so it’s important to have routine cholesterol screenings if you’re at risk. However, because this condition can often present without any real symptoms, you may not even know you have it until you visit your doctor. Cholesterol is a type of lipid. It’s a waxy, fat-like substance that your liver produces naturally.

It’s vital for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, so it can’t travel through your blood on its own. To help transport cholesterol, your liver produces lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are particles made from fat and protein. They carry cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of lipid, through your bloodstream.

The two major forms of lipoprotein are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is any cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins. If your blood contains too much LDL cholesterol, you may be diagnosed with high cholesterol. Without treatment, high cholesterol may lead to many health issues, including heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms in the beginning. That’s why it’s important to get your cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis. In most cases, high cholesterol is a “silent” condition. It typically doesn’t cause any symptoms.

Many people don’t even realize they have high cholesterol until they develop serious complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. Eating too many foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats may increase your risk of developing high cholesterol. Living with obesity can also increase your risk. Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to high cholesterol include inactivity and smoking. Your genetics can also affect your chances of developing high cholesterol. Genes are passed down from parents to children. Certain genes instruct your body on how to process cholesterol and fats. If your parents have high cholesterol, you may be at a greater risk of having it too.

Other health conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, may also increase your risk of developing high cholesterol and related complications. This buildup is also known as cholesterol plaque. This plaque can narrow your arteries, limit your blood flow, and raise your risk of blood clots. If a blood clot blocks an artery in your heart or brain, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help lower it. For instance, they may recommend changes to your diet, exercise habits, or other aspects of your daily routine.

If you smoke, they will likely advise you to quit. Your doctor may also prescribe medications or other treatments to help lower your cholesterol levels. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist for more care. To help you achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet.

For example, they may advise you to: limit your intake of foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats, choose lean sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, and legumes, eat a wide variety of high fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, opt for baked, broiled, steamed, grilled, and roasted foods instead of fried foods and avoid fast food and sugary, pre-packaged options when possible.

Foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, or trans fats include: red meat, organ meats, egg yolks, and high fat dairy products, processed foods made with cocoa butter or palm oil, deep-fried foods, such as potato chips, onion rings, and fried chicken and certain baked goods, such as some cookies and muffins. Eating fish and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower your LDL levels.

For example, salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich sources of omega-3s. Walnuts, almonds, ground flaxseeds, and avocados also contain omega-3s. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol levels.

ALSO READ: ‘My good friend’, Atiku salutes Obi at 63