Complications From High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in all cells of the body. It is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. The liver makes most of the cholesterol in the body. When you have Boynton Beach high cholesterol, this can lead to a buildup of plaque in arteries. This can cause heart disease, stroke, or other serious problems. It is important to control your cholesterol levels with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.

These are various causes of high cholesterol levels:

• High-fat diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in animal products, such as red meat, butter, cheese, and cream. Trans fats are found in processed foods, such as crackers, cookies, and margarine.
• Lack of physical activity: Physical activity helps boost “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol.
• Obesity: It is a significant risk factor for high cholesterol. People who are obese tend to have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels.
• Diabetes: It can damage the blood vessels and cause high cholesterol.
• Kidney disease can cause high cholesterol levels by affecting how the body gets rid of LDL cholesterol.
• Family history: If you have a family member with high cholesterol, you may also be more likely to have it.
• Age and gender: Women’s cholesterol levels are lower than men’s. Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. Women’s LDL cholesterol levels tend to rise after menopause.

These are some complications that may occur due to high cholesterol levels:

Heart disease

It is the most common complication of high cholesterol. Cholesterol buildup can narrow or block arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart. This can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or stroke. When you notice symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, see your doctor right away.

Stroke

A stroke can occur when cholesterol buildup in the arteries reduces blood flow to the brain. This can cause permanent damage to the brain. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg.

Peripheral artery disease

Did you know that high cholesterol can also affect the blood flow to your extremities? When plaque narrows the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet, it is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD symptoms include cramping, pain, or fatigue in the legs or hips when walking.

Kidney disease

High cholesterol levels can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. This is because cholesterol can build up in the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Kidney disease can cause problems like high blood pressure, anemia, and weak bones.

Liver disease

High cholesterol levels can also damage the liver. The liver is responsible for removing LDL cholesterol from the blood. When the liver is damaged, it can’t do its job as well, and LDL cholesterol levels can rise. This can lead to fatty liver disease, damaging the liver and leading to cirrhosis.

You can prevent or treat high cholesterol by making lifestyle changes and, if needed, taking medication. Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor at Nguyen Medical Group can prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol levels.