High cholesterol is excess levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol in the blood consists of three main components:
-
Low density lipoproteins (LDL)—involved in depositing cholesterol and other fats throughout the body. High levels of LDL put you at risk for hardening of the arteries and heart disease.
-
High density lipoproteins (HDL)—involved in eliminating cholesterol and other fats from the body. High levels of HDL are protective against heart disease.
-
Triglycerides—a common form of fat in the body
Causes of high cholesterol include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for high cholesterol include:
- Age: Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older.
-
Sex:
- Family members with high cholesterol
- High-fat diet
- Obesity, overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms.
Eventually, symptoms may include:
- Angina
(chest pain)
-
In people with an inherited form of high cholesterol, cholesterol deposits:
- In the tendons
- Under the eyes
- Around the cornea
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. High cholesterol is diagnosed through tests that measure levels of the following factors in your blood:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Treatment may include:
- Limit the amount of fat and cholesterol you eat.
- Eat a diet high in fiber.
- Begin a safe exercise program recommended by your doctor.
- Increase physical activity in your daily life, as recommended by your doctor.
- If you smoke, quit.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Moderate alcohol intake is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
If diet and exercise don't lower your blood cholesterol in a reasonable period of time, you may need cholesterol-lowering medication. A partial list of medications includes:
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Colestipol (Colestid)
- Nicotinic acid (Niacor)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Ezetimibe (Zetia)
Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for high cholesterol. Atorvastatin, given at 80 mg once a day, has been shown to cause the regression of atherosclerotic plaques. Combination therapy is often required for effective lowering of LDL in patients at high risk for coronary artery disease.
To reduce your chance of having high cholesterol:
Last reviewed December 2007 by Jill Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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