High Cholesterol - Symptoms, Risks, Prevention & More

When to see a doctor for High Cholesterol?

Medcare will screen for cholesterol levels as part of any regular medical check-up, especially if certain lifestyle factors are present. You can request a cholesterol check at any time if you would like to alleviate any concerns regarding the possibility of raised cholesterol levels. Dpctors at Medcare are always on h& to discuss healthy lifestyle choices, & can recommend diet & exercise plans.

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol symptoms are not apparent, only manifesting when serious complications develop, such as heart attack or stroke. This is why routine cholesterol screening is crucial.

If you’re 20 or older, ask your Medcare professional if you should have routine cholesterol screening.

Diagnosis of High Cholesterol

To measure cholesterol levels, your doctor will take a simple blood test, known as a lipid panel. Lipid panel test results will be used to assess levels of:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol, &
• Triglycerides

Medcare recommends adults visit at most every five years for a blood test to check their cholesterol levels. Annual health checks & insurance-related health checks will usually also involve a cholesterol check.

Desirable cholesterol levels are:

• Total cholesterol under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
• LDL cholesterol under 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol at least 60 mg/dL

You might have to fast for at least 12 hours before your test.

Treatment of High Cholesterol

Lifestyle changes help lower high cholesterol, including:

• Dietary changes, including more fresh fruit & veg & less fatty, fried & fast food
• Incorporating exercise (or more exercise)
• Quitting smoking
• Quitting drinking alcohol

Medications or other treatments might be prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels, if your cholesterol level has not reduced even after changing lifestyle & diet & if you are at high risk of heart attack or stroke

Common medications include:

• Statins: Which stop the liver from producing more cholesterol
• Niacin
• Bile acid resins, &
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors

Some medications contain a combination of drugs to help decrease the absorption of cholesterol from foods & reduce the liver’s production of cholesterol. In certain cases, you may be referred to a specialist for more care.

Lowering Cholesterol by dietary change

A simple series of changes to what we eat can help lower & control bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. You may be advised to:

• Reduce intake of food high in cholesterol, saturated fats, & trans fats
• Eat lean protein, such as legumes or skinned chicken
• Eat high-fiber foods: fruits, vegetables & whole grain food
• Choose to bake, steam, grill or roasted rather than fry food
• Avoid fast food & junk food

Foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, or trans fats include:

• Red meat, organ meat
• Egg yolks & high-fat dairy products
• Foods containing palm or coconut oil, cocoa butter,
• Deep-fried foods
• Certain baked goods, such as cakes or muffins

Eating fish & other foods with omega-3 fatty acids can help lower Triglycerids levels. Avocados, walnuts, almonds & ground flaxseeds are rich sources of omega-3s, as are salmon, mackerel, & herring.

Can you lower Cholesterol naturally?

Some people claim certain herbal & nutritional supplements may help lower cholesterol levels, including:

• Garlic
• Hawthorn
• Astragalus
• Red yeast rice
• Plant sterol & stanol supplements
• Oat bran
• Psyllium seed husk
• Ground flaxseed

Talk to Medcare before taking any nutritional or herbal supplements, as they may adversely interact with other medications you’re taking. If you are concerned about your potential cholesterol levels, book an appointment with Medcare today. We are here to help ensure you remain in the best health possible.