Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is essential for all of us. The liver produces and uses this fatty substance which circulates in the blood.
It is vital for the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D and hormones, all of which aid in the digestion of food. Notably, cholesterol is an essential part of every cell membrane in the body.
Excessive levels of cholesterol in the blood are known as “hyperlipidemia”. They are the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes. According CDC data, from 2015 to 2018, nearly 29 million Americans age 20 and older had high cholesterol.
Based on scientific research, this article highlights important facts about high cholesterol that you need to know.
Cholesterol levels can affect even young, healthy people, especially if they come from a family with a history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
Also, a person’s genetic makeup can make it more difficult for their body to eliminate LDL cholesterol. As a result, people can have higher cholesterol levels even if they are physically active and healthy.
Everyone should have their cholesterol levels checked routinely, regardless of age or health. The American Heart Association advises children aged 9 to 11 to have their cholesterol levels checked.
For people over the age of 20, it is a good idea to check cholesterol levels at least once every four to six years. However, if a person is taking medication or has other risk factors, they may need additional testing.
According to NIHthe cholesterol levels chart below shows healthy cholesterol levels by age.
You can do the following things to manage your cholesterol levels:
- To exercise : Adults should get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Stop smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and hardens arteries, greatly increasing the risk of heart disease. If you don’t smoke or quit, your risk of developing heart disease will be lower.
- Eat healthier foods: Avoid foods high in saturated fat. Instead, choose food options that are naturally high in fiber and unsaturated fats.
- Sufficient sleep: Sleep at least seven hours a night.
- Losing weight: lose a few pounds to reach a healthy weight
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Avoid stress
- At least every five years, have your cholesterol levels tested.
Note from The Fitness Freak
If your cholesterol levels are dangerously high, you can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Knowing how other factors, like food and family history, affect your risk is crucial, as some people are more likely than others to develop heart disease. If so, you will need to continue living a healthy lifestyle. You will also need to continue to take your medications and attend follow-up appointments with your provider. On the other hand, you may not have serious health problems if you and your doctor can control your cholesterol levels.
Maintain healthy cholesterol levels like a PRO
We need to make small lifestyle changes to stay healthy. One such change is to reduce saturated fat intake. In addition to lifestyle modifications, some require interventions through medications to maintain healthy cholesterol. Although taking medications recommended by your GP can be helpful, you can also get the most benefit from these medications by making changes to your lifestyle.
Discuss your medical history and lifestyle choices with your nutritionist. Your healthcare provider will develop a plan to lower your cholesterol levels.
The easiest way to improve your health and fitness is to join the HealthifyMe app. Speaking with qualified HealthifyMe trainers can help you understand the implications of diet and lifestyle in depth.
Moreover, thanks to more than 60 parameters in the metabolic panel tests in the most recent version of this app, HealthifyPro 2.0, you get real-time information about your health. You can design your meals and lifestyle based on your blood sugar and health parameters with the help of qualified nutritionists.
HealthifyMe, India’s leading digital health and fitness platform, creates highly individualized and proven diet plans based on your current health status. After signing up, you can choose a health and fitness coach who works to lower your cholesterol levels.
As a result, millions of customers can benefit from a wide range of premium options to help them achieve their goals.
The effects of food and activity vary from person to person. Indeed, even while pursuing food-related choices, you can use HealthifyPRO as an aid.
HealthifyMe also provides users with information and encourages them to make informed decisions. As a result, it enables you to live a healthy life.
With a one-on-one consultation with a HealthifyMe Health Coach, you can develop a diet and exercise plan tailored to your specific health needs. Plus, you can use HealthifyPRO and HealthifyPRO 2.0 to monitor your diet, activity, and other health-related factors to find out what you’re doing right and wrong to lower your cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Hypercholesterolemia is silent but deadly. You may not know that you have had it in your blood for a long time. There are no symptoms of high cholesterol. The only way to find out is with a quick blood test.
High cholesterol affects people of all ages, including those who exercise regularly and are in good health. Lifestyle changes are the only way to control high cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium intake is crucial for lowering cholesterol.
In addition, smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and blood vessel problems. Therefore, quit smoking and using tobacco products.
