Having high cholesterol levels is not manifested by symptoms that can be felt, that is why it is known as “the silent enemy”.
Some people may have high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Other people could develop atherosclerosis that could block a coronary artery and cause a heart attack or block an artery in the brain and lead to a stroke (embolism).
Knowing cholesterol levels can prevent cardiovascular diseases. Hence the importance of performing periodic clinical examinations to determine blood cholesterol levels.
Who generates more cholesterol in the body?
Cholesterol is a nutrient found in foods of animal origin and also cholesterol is synthesized by all tissues of the body, in greater quantity by the liver and the intestine.
Young people produce more cholesterol than the elderly, women more than men, people with diseases such as hyperthyroidism, obesity or diabetes mellitus, people who ingest more total energy and more lipids (fats) than those who are fasting.
Likewise, people who have a lot of stress and those who have familial hypercholesterolemia produce more cholesterol which is a genetic alteration.
Each person has different susceptibility to cholesterol
The susceptibility to cholesterol of c Each person varies. Therefore, blood cholesterol levels differ in each person, even if the same amount of cholesterol is ingested in the diet.
There are many factors related to individual susceptibility, including differences in synthesis of endogenous cholesterol, the absorption of cholesterol from the diet, the biliary excretion of cholesterol, the intestinal flora that metabolizes it, physical activity, age, a diet with foods high in cholesterol, genetic inheritance, among others.
Relationship between diet and atherosclerosis
A diet high in foods of animal origin, high in cholesterol and saturated fat is related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Among these, it could cause chest pain (angina pectoris) if the coronary arteries are affected and other symptoms of the coronary arteries.
Or atherosclerosis, which is the formation of atheromas in the blood that gradually obstruct the arteries and that can clog an artery in the heart that could lead to a heart attack. And in the brain it causes a cerebrovascular accident (embolism).
Timely diagnosis and prevention of atherosclerosis
As part of the diagnosis, performing clinical exams on a regular basis, helps to know blood cholesterol levels and contributes to the prevention of atherosclerosis.
It is recommended to limit excesses of foods of animal origin , especially foods high in cholesterol and with saturated fat.
However, each person’s susceptibility to hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol levels) is different.
Some people tolerate a high intake of foods with cholesterol without developing hypercholesterolemia and others may suffer it even if their intake of foods with cholesterol is moderate.
Some people who have hypercholesterolemia will develop more atherosclerosis. It depends on which arteries are affected, they may suffer from cardiovascular diseases, serious or moderate.
Remember to take regular blood tests to know your cholesterol levels and consult your doctor about the actions to take.
Lifestyle changes necessary to lower cholesterol levels
In addition to changes in your lifestyle, including a healthy diet without excess saturated fat, exercising most days of the week, at least 30 minutes , quit smoking, lose weight, and maintain a healthy weight. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation and it is convenient to control stress.
- If I have cholesterol, should I stop eating fat?
From when perform cholesterol blood tests?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), you should start at an early age, from 11 years, every 5 years.
Men among 45 and 65 years and women between 55 and 65 years should have cholesterol screenings every year or every two years . And people over 65 years each year.
Even your doctor may request that they be more often, if the results of the analysis are not within acceptable levels or if you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
Remember a healthy lifestyle and taking clinical blood cholesterol tests can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).