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Hypercholesterolemia refers to levels
of cholesterol in the blood that are
higher than normal. Though cholesterol
is often associated with heart disease
and obesity it is very important for
growth or living. Cholesterol helps
build many substances including the
cell membrane of every cell in our
body. Our body needs certain amount
of cholesterol, however, the liver
produces them in excess which gets
deposited in tissues and arteries.
This excess cholesterol causes these
tissues and arteries to narrow and
block the passage of blood to vital
organs such as the brain and the heart.
It can also weaken the artery, causing
it to enlarge and produce an aneurysm.
This process is termed "arteriosclerosis".
Cholesterol has been divided into
two major categories: low-density
Lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called "bad"
cholesterol, and high-density Lipoprotein
(HDL), the so-called "good" cholesterol.
Diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol,
and certain illnesses can affect the
levels of both types of cholesterol.
What causes Hypercholesterolemia
?
Hypercholesterolemia is caused by excess
lipids or fatty substances in the blood
and is an important risk factor in developing
atherosclerosis and heart disease. Genetic
factors also play a vital role in developing
hypercholesterolemia. Mental stress,
physical activity and change in body
weight can also influence the level
of blood cholesterol. Inactivity can
increase it and exercise can decrease
it.
What are
the likely symptoms of Hypercholesterolemia
?
A strong family history of early
myocardial infarction ( heart attack).
Elevated and therapy-resistant levels
of LDL in either or both parents.
- Xanthomas (lesions caused by cholesterol
deposits).
- Cholesterol deposits in the eyelids
(Xanthelasmas).
- Chest pain ( angina ) associated
with coronary artery disease.
- Evidence of obesity.
How to prevent Hypercholesterolemia
?
The best way to prevent hypercholesterolemia
is to strike a balance between your
height and weight Changing dietary
habits by reducing the amount of fat
and cholesterol consumed is advised.
Don't smoke if you have high levels
of cholesterol. Increasing levels
of fiber in the diet by including
foods such as beans, raw fruits, whole
grains and vegetables is recommended.
It is important to exercise on a regular
basis. Aerobic exercise is especially
helpful in reducing serum cholesterol
levels.
People from families with a strong
history of early heart attacks should
be evaluated with a lipid screen.
Proper diet, exercise and the use
of effective drugs can reduce serum
lipid levels.
Nutrition and cardiac
experts offer the following suggestions:
- purchasing low-fat or fat-free
dairy products such as milk, cheese,
sour cream, and yogurt
- eating lean red meats, chicken without
skin, and fish
- reducing consumption of foods high
in saturated fat such as french fries
- avoid foods that are rich sources
of cholesterol such as eggs, liver,
cheese, and bacon
- eating smaller servings
- keeping a food journal and writing
down everything eaten each day
- prepare food by microwaving, boiling,
broiling, or baking food instead of
frying
- trimming the fat from meat before
cooking it.
In families with a history of hypercholesterolemia,
genetic counseling is of benefit,
especially if both parents are affected.
Prevention of early heart attacks
require recognition of existing elevated
LDL levels, and a low-cholesterol,
low-saturated fat, high-unsaturated
fat diet in high-risk people may help
to control LDL levels.
What medications
are used to treat Hypercholesterolemia
?
Some of the medications prescribed
for hypercholesterolemia include
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