Understanding the Silent Threat: High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a necessary fatty substance that our bodies need for various functions. But major health problems might arise when levels are too high.
Our health usually takes a back seat in the midst of all the other things we have to worry about. When it comes to something as inaudible as elevated cholesterol, it’s easy to miss the subtle warning signals that our bodies may be telling us. Keeping an eye on our cholesterol levels is vital, so let’s learn more about this hidden danger right now.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a necessary fatty substance that our bodies need for various functions. But major health problems might arise when levels are too high. The fact that there are no outward signs of elevated cholesterol poses a significant risk. Internally, your arteries may be quietly constricting, raising the risk of heart disease, even though you may feel normal on the outside.
So, what makes high cholesterol so dangerous?
Heart Disease: Plaque builds up in the arteries, cutting off blood supply to the heart and elevated cholesterol levels play a role in this process. An increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks may result from this.
Stroke: Blood vessels supplying the brain may be affected by excessive cholesterol in the same way that they are affected by heart disease. When the brain’s blood supply is suddenly cut off, it may damage brain cells and lead to a stroke.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Arteries in other organs, such the legs, may be impacted by high cholesterol. Pain and numbness in the limbs are symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which also increases the likelihood of infection.
Now that we understand the risks, what can we do to protect ourselves?
Regular Checkups: Knowledge is power. Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to check your cholesterol levels with a Lipid Panel test. When it comes to avoiding future health problems, this straightforward test has the potential to be a game-changer.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A heart-healthy lifestyle can cut the risk of getting high cholesterol by a large amount. To do this, they should eat a healthy diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole foods, work out regularly, not drink in excess, and quit smoking.
Early Intervention: If you have high cholesterol, it’s important to do something about it right away. Together with your doctor, make a plan that may include medicine, changes to your lifestyle, or a mix of the two.
LabFinder believes in giving people the tools they need to take charge of their own health. Early diagnosis and regular checkups are the first things that can be done to make the future healthy. With our lab scheduling services, it’s never been easier to get the tests you need.
Don’t let having high cholesterol catch you off guard. To protect your heart, take care of your health, get checked out, and make informed decisions. It will be good for you in the long run.
LabFinder Editorial Team
The LabFinder Editorial Team is behind The Illuminator and The Insider, LabFinder’s consumer and business blogs.
Dr.Robert Segal
Dr. Segal is CEO and co-founder of LabFinder, as well as a board-certified cardiologist. He began practicing medicine in 2002 and has founded several businesses, including Medical Offices of Manhattan and Manhattan Cardiology.