The human body contains a waxy material called cholesterol. Although cholesterol is important for the body to build healthy cells, high cholesterol may increase your risk of heart disease. It is possible to get fatty deposits in your blood vessels if your cholesterol is high. Over time, when these deposits build up, your arteries become unable to efficiently pump blood. Occasionally, such deposits may abruptly breach and create a clot that results in a stroke or heart attack.

Symptoms

High cholesterol is often called a "silent" condition because it typically doesn't cause any symptoms. Many people with high cholesterol are unaware of their condition until they have a blood test or experience a serious event like a heart attack or stroke. However, in some cases, high cholesterol can lead to visible signs, such as:

• Xanthomas – Yellowish deposit of cholesterol on the skin, around eyes, elbows and tendons
• Arcus Corneae – A white or grey ring around the cornea of the eye, which can sometimes be seen in younger individuals with high cholesterol.

Causes for Cholesterol Spike

Cholesterol spikes can be caused due to lifestyle and genetic factors. The major causes are;

• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Genetics
• Underlying health conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease)

Risk Factors

• Age – As we age, our cholesterol tends to rise. Men over 45 and women over 55 are at higher risk of cholesterol spikes.
• Gender - Before menopause, women generally have lower total cholesterol levels than men. After menopause, however, LDL cholesterol levels in women often rise.
• Family history: A family history of high cholesterol or heart disease increases your risk.
• Poor diet – Consumption of foods with high saturated fats and trans fat
• Sedentary life – physical inactivity and lack of exercise lead to weight gain.

Complications

• Atherosclerosis: This is a condition where cholesterol deposits build up in the walls of arteries, leading to narrowing and hardening of the arteries.
• Heart Attack: If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and block the flow of blood to the heart, causing a heart attack.
• Stroke: A stroke can occur if a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the legs, leading to pain and circulation problems.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: High cholesterol can contribute to the narrowing of the arteries leading to the kidneys, which can cause kidney damage.

Prevention

• Follow a healthy diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil and fatty fish. Reduce your consumption of cholesterol, trans fats, and saturated fats.
• Regular exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.
• Quit smoking: Quitting smoking can improve your HDL cholesterol level and reduce your overall risk of heart disease.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Diagnosis

High cholesterol is diagnosed through a blood test called a lipid panel, which measures;

• Total Cholesterol: The total cholesterol content in your blood.
• LDL Cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
• HDL cholesterol, sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol, aids in the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood. High levels can also increase the risk of heart disease.

Treatment

1. Lifestyle changes:

   - Diet: Adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats can help lower LDL cholesterol. Foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans, and fruits, can also help reduce cholesterol absorption.

   - Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve cholesterol levels by raising HDL cholesterol and lowering LDL cholesterol.

   - Weight loss: Losing weight can have a significant impact on cholesterol levels, particularly for those who are overweight or obese.

   - Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation improves HDL cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

   - Limit Alcohol: Moderation in alcohol consumption can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

2. Medications:

   - Statins

   - Bile Acid Sequestrants

   - Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

   - PCSK9 Inhibitors

   - Fibrates

   - Niacin

3. Advanced Therapies:

   - LDL Apheresis: This procedure filters LDL cholesterol from the blood, typically used in cases of extremely high cholesterol that doesn't respond to other treatments.

   - Gene Therapy: For those with genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, emerging gene therapies may offer new treatment options.

FAQ

Q1: Can high cholesterol be reversed? 

A: High cholesterol can often be managed and reduced through lifestyle changes and medications, but it's important to maintain these changes to keep cholesterol levels in check.

Q2: How frequently should my cholesterol be examined?

A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, but those with risk factors may need more frequent testing.

Q3: Can stress affect my cholesterol levels? 

A: Chronic stress may contribute to higher cholesterol levels by leading to unhealthy behaviours like overeating, lack of exercise, or smoking.

Q4: Are there any natural remedies for high cholesterol? 

A: Some natural remedies, such as soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sterols, can help lower cholesterol.

Q5: Can children have high cholesterol? 

A: Yes, children can have high cholesterol, especially if they have a family history of the condition or are overweight. Early screening and intervention are important.

Q6: Is all cholesterol bad? 

A: No, cholesterol is necessary for various bodily functions. HDL cholesterol is considered "good" because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Q7: Can high cholesterol cause symptoms like headaches? 

A: High cholesterol typically doesn't cause symptoms like headaches. However, it can lead to complications like heart disease, which may cause symptoms.

Q8: Does cholesterol only come from the food I eat? 

A: No, the majority of the cholesterol in your body is produced by your liver. However, the amount of cholesterol you consume can influence your blood cholesterol levels.

Q9: Can high cholesterol lead to diabetes? 

A: While high cholesterol doesn't cause diabetes, the two conditions are often related, and having one increases the risk of developing the other.

Q10: What foods should I avoid if I have high cholesterol? 

A: Limit foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and processed snacks.