What does a cholesterol level of 228 mg/dL mean for your health. How can you lower borderline high cholesterol through lifestyle changes. When should you consider medication for cholesterol management.

Decoding Your Cholesterol Numbers: What 228 mg/dL Means

A total cholesterol level of 228 mg/dL falls within the borderline high range, which spans from 200 to 239 mg/dL. This classification indicates that your cholesterol levels are above the desirable range but not yet in the high-risk category. However, it’s crucial to understand that total cholesterol is just one piece of the puzzle when assessing cardiovascular health.

Breaking Down the Lipid Panel

To gain a comprehensive understanding of your cholesterol status, doctors analyze several components of a lipid panel:

• Total Cholesterol: The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as “good” cholesterol
• Triglycerides: Another type of fat in the bloodstream

Each of these factors plays a unique role in determining your risk for heart disease and stroke. While a total cholesterol of 228 mg/dL is concerning, the balance between LDL and HDL levels provides crucial context for assessing your overall cardiovascular health.

The Impact of Borderline High Cholesterol on Your Health

Borderline high cholesterol levels can have significant implications for your long-term health. When cholesterol levels are elevated, even moderately, it can contribute to the formation of plaque in your arteries—a process known as atherosclerosis.

Understanding Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis occurs when excess cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, forming plaques that narrow and harden these vital blood vessels. This process can lead to several health complications:

• Reduced blood flow to organs and tissues
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Higher chance of heart attack or stroke
• Potential for peripheral artery disease

While a cholesterol level of 228 mg/dL may not immediately cause symptoms, it serves as an early warning sign that action should be taken to prevent further progression of atherosclerosis and reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower Your Cholesterol

For many individuals with borderline high cholesterol, lifestyle changes can be highly effective in bringing levels back into the normal range. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Dietary Changes for Cholesterol Management

Modifying your diet is often the first line of defense against high cholesterol. Consider incorporating these heart-healthy eating habits:

• Increase intake of soluble fiber from sources like oats, beans, and fruits
• Choose lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and plant-based options
• Limit saturated and trans fats found in red meat and processed foods
• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids from fish or supplements
• Add plant sterols and stanols to your diet through fortified foods or supplements

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. This can help raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL and triglycerides.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for cholesterol control. Even modest weight loss can have a significant impact on your lipid profile. Focus on creating a sustainable calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise.

The Role of Medication in Cholesterol Management

While lifestyle changes are often the first approach, some individuals may require medication to effectively manage their cholesterol levels. Your doctor will consider various factors when determining if medication is necessary:

Factors Influencing Medication Decisions

• Overall cardiovascular risk profile
• Family history of heart disease
• Presence of other risk factors like diabetes or hypertension
• Response to lifestyle modifications

Common medications used to treat high cholesterol include statins, bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Each medication works differently and may be prescribed based on your specific needs and health status.

Monitoring and Follow-up: Tracking Your Progress

Regular monitoring is crucial when managing borderline high cholesterol. Your doctor may recommend follow-up lipid panels to assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Frequency of Cholesterol Testing

For adults with borderline high cholesterol, testing every 6 to 12 months is typically recommended. However, your doctor may suggest more frequent testing based on your individual risk factors and response to treatment.

Additional Diagnostic Tools

In some cases, your doctor might recommend additional tests to evaluate your cardiovascular health:

• Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan: This imaging test can detect calcium buildup in your coronary arteries, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis.
• Advanced Lipid Testing: These tests provide a more detailed analysis of your lipid particles, offering insights beyond standard lipid panels.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: This blood test measures inflammation in your body, which can be associated with heart disease risk.

Comprehensive Approach to Heart Health

While managing your cholesterol is important, it’s essential to consider your overall cardiovascular health. A holistic approach to heart health includes addressing multiple risk factors:

Additional Risk Factors to Consider

• Blood Pressure: Maintain healthy blood pressure levels through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.
• Blood Sugar: Manage diabetes or prediabetes through proper diet, exercise, and medical supervision.
• Smoking: Quit smoking to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and improve overall health.
• Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular relaxation practices.

By addressing these factors in conjunction with cholesterol management, you can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular events and improve your overall health.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Cholesterol Control

In addition to lifestyle changes and potential medication, some natural remedies and supplements may help in managing cholesterol levels. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating any new supplements into your regimen.

Promising Natural Options

• Red Yeast Rice: Contains compounds similar to statins, but requires careful monitoring.
• Garlic: May have modest cholesterol-lowering effects.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Can support heart health, especially for those on statin medications.
• Psyllium: A soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants that may help improve lipid profiles.

While these natural options may offer benefits, they should not replace prescribed medications or lifestyle changes recommended by your healthcare provider. Always discuss any complementary approaches with your doctor to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

Long-term Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Managing borderline high cholesterol is not a short-term fix but rather a lifelong commitment to heart health. Developing sustainable strategies can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels over time.

Building Healthy Habits

Consider these long-term approaches to keep your cholesterol in check:

• Meal Planning: Develop a repertoire of heart-healthy recipes and plan your meals in advance to ensure balanced nutrition.
• Regular Exercise Routine: Find physical activities you enjoy and make them a consistent part of your weekly schedule.
• Stress Management Techniques: Incorporate stress-reduction practices into your daily life to support overall cardiovascular health.
• Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as poor sleep can negatively impact cholesterol levels.
• Continuous Education: Stay informed about the latest research and recommendations for cholesterol management.

By integrating these strategies into your lifestyle, you can create a sustainable approach to managing your cholesterol and promoting long-term heart health.

Remember, a cholesterol level of 228 mg/dL is a call to action, not a definitive diagnosis. With the right approach, including lifestyle modifications, possible medication, and regular monitoring, you can effectively manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Always work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique health needs and goals.

What It Is and What to Do About It

Written by Jodi Helmer

• Cholesterol Tests
• Make Changes in the Kitchen
• Read Food Labels
• Get Moving
• Lose Extra Weight
• Quit Smoking
• Check to See What’s Working
• More

Has your doctor told you that you have “borderline” high cholesterol? That means your cholesterol level is above normal but not quite in the “high” range.

You have borderline high cholesterol if your total cholesterol is between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Your doctor will also consider other things, like how much of your total cholesterol is LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and how much of it is HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Making simple changes in your lifestyle is often enough to bring borderline cholesterol levels down to the normal range. Some people may also need to take medicine for it. And keep in mind that other things, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking, also affect your heart health; it’s not just about cholesterol.

If you have borderline cholesterol, your doctor will decide whether you need treatment by looking at these and other risk factors for heart disease. They may ask you to get an imaging test of your heart called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. This test reveals whether dangerous plaque has built up in your heart’s arteries.

You won’t know you have borderline cholesterol unless you get a cholesterol blood test. You should do that every 5 years.

The average American has a total cholesterol level of 200, which is in the borderline range.

You can turn it around before you get high cholesterol. Start with these steps.

Why Do I Need a Cholesterol Test?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you take in more cholesterol from certain foods, such as those from animals. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in the walls of your arteries (as “plaque”) and eventually harden. This process, called atherosclerosis, actually narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to travel through them. 

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. In later stages of atherosclerosis, though, you may have angina – severe chest pain from lack of blood flow to the heart. If an artery gets totally blocked, a heart attack results. A routine blood cholesterol test is a far better way of finding out what your cholesterol level is.

What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?

In addition to measuring the total cholesterol in your blood, the standard cholesterol test (called a “lipid panel”) measures three specific kinds of fat:

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is the “bad cholesterol,” the main cause of plaque buildup, which increases your risk of heart disease. In general, the lower the number, the better. But LDL cholesterol is only one part of a larger equation that measures a person’s overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke.  

For years, guidelines focused on specific target numbers for people to achieve to lower their risk. The most recent guidelines focus on a person’s overall risk and, based on that risk, recommend a certain percentage of LDL reduction as one part of a way to prevent serious heart and blood vessel problems.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is the “good cholesterol.” It transports bad cholesterol from the blood to the liver, where it is excreted by the body. Your HDL is another part of the equation that identifies the risk of a cardiovascular event. In general, the higher the number the better, although, as with LDL, the emphasis has shifted from specific target numbers to ways to reduce the overall risk.

Triglycerides. Another type of fat in the bloodstream, triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. They are stored in fat cells throughout the body.

What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?

If you have a lipoprotein profile, it’s important to look at all the numbers from the cholesterol test, not just the total cholesterol number. That’s because LDL and HDL levels are two top signs of potential heart disease. Use the information below to interpret your results (with the help of your doctor, of course). This will help you get a better idea about your risk for heart disease.

Total blood cholesterol level:

• High risk: 240 mg/dL and above
• Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
• Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol levels:

190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease and is a strong sign that you can benefit from intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet, and statin therapy for reducing that risk.

For LDL levels that are equal to or less than 189 mg/dL, the guidelines recommend strategies for lowering LDL by 30% to 50%, depending on what other risk factors you have that can affect the health of your heart and blood vessels.

HDL cholesterol:

• High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women

Triglycerides:

• Very high risk: 500 mg/dL and above
• High risk: 200-499 mg/dL
• Borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

Use your diet to help lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol.

For the biggest impact, choose foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole grains, beans, apples, pears, oatmeal, salmon, walnuts, and olive oil are excellent heart-healthy choices.

Here are some more diet tips to help you lower your cholesterol:

Make meat lean. Cut back on red meats that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and choose only lean meats with very little visible fat. Examples of lean beef include London broil, eye of round, and filet mignon. Avoid processed meats like bacon and sausage, which are linked to higher odds of heart disease and diabetes.

Remove skin from poultry. That’s where much of the fat is.

Eat more seafood. It usually has less fat than other meat. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, or mackerel) each week for heart health. Those fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you.

Limit saturated fat. These are found in whole-fat dairy products, mayonnaise, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats (such as stick margarine). These products may also contain trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol level.

Go liquid. For cooking, replace saturated fats that are solid at room temperature (such as butter and shortening) with liquid monounsaturated fats such as olive, canola, and flaxseed oils. There’s evidence that eating moderate amounts of monounsaturated fat – found in such foods as nuts, seeds, and avocados – may lower LDL cholesterol.

Add fiber with plant foods. Good sources include grapefruit, apples, beans and other legumes, barley, carrots, cabbage, and oatmeal.

Get two daily servings of plant sterol-rich foods. These foods, such as nuts, can help lower cholesterol. Plant sterols are also added to some soft margarines, granola bars, yogurts, and orange juice.

You need to know how much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol are in your favorite foods. That can help you make better choices.

Too much saturated fat can drive up your cholesterol level. It’s found mostly in animal products. Cholesterol also is found in animal products. Your doctor or a dietitian can let you know what your daily limit should be.

Artificial trans fats can raise your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They’re in packaged foods, like some crackers, cookies, pastries, and microwave popcorn.

Check the nutrition label. And because products marked “0 grams” of trans fats per serving can have up to a gram of trans fats, check the ingredients label, too. Anything marked “partially hydrogenated” is trans fat.

Exercise helps you get your cholesterol down from the borderline range.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per day (150 minutes each week). You can also do a more intense workout for 75 minutes a week.

Taking a walk, riding your bike, playing a team sport, or taking a group fitness class will increase your heart rate while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Push yourself, if you can, but keep in mind that moderate exercise is better than none at all.

You can have borderline high cholesterol and be at a healthy weight. But if you’re overweight, losing those extra pounds can help bring your cholesterol level back down.

Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can lower your cholesterol levels. One study found that adults who took part in a 12-week exercise program lowered their LDL by 18 points, and their total cholesterol dropped 26 points.

With a combination of weight loss and a healthy diet, it’s possible to lower LDL levels up to 30% – results that are similar to taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

If you’re not sure whether your weight is in a healthy place, ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI). A normal BMI is 18 to 25. If your BMI is 25 or higher, ask your doctor for advice on the best types of physical activity for you.

If you smoke, kicking the habit can help raise your HDL (“good”) cholesterol up to 10%.

Have you tried to quit smoking before? For many people, it takes a couple of tries. Keep trying until it sticks. It’s worth it, for your whole body’s health.

During regular screening appointments, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels to see if the changes you’ve made have gotten you to your cholesterol goal.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower borderline high cholesterol, your doctor may talk to you about medication.

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Cholesterol is an essential substance for the body. Dietary factors and some health conditions can lead to high cholesterol, which is a risk factor for several conditions.

Cholesterol is present in every cell of the body and has important natural functions when it comes to digesting foods, producing hormones, and generating vitamin D. The body produces it, but people also consume it in food. It is waxy and fat-like in appearance.

There are two types of cholesterol:

• low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol
• high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol

In this article, we will explain the role of cholesterol. We will also discuss the causes of high cholesterol, and its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Fast facts on cholesterol:

• Cholesterol is an essential substance that the body produces but which people also consume in foods.
• Risk factors for high cholesterol include family history and the modifiable lifestyle choices of diet and exercise.
• Having high cholesterol does not usually produce any symptoms.
• If lifestyle changes are unsuccessful or cholesterol levels are very high, a doctor may prescribe a lipid-lowering drug, such as a statin.

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Cholesterol is an oil-based substance. It does not mix with the blood, which is water-based.

It travels around the body in lipoproteins.

Two types of lipoprotein carry the parcels of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Cholesterol that travels in this way is unhealthful or “bad” cholesterol.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Cholesterol that is present in HDL is known as “good” cholesterol.

Cholesterol has four primary functions, without which we could not survive.

These are:

• contributing to the structure of cell walls
• making up digestive bile acids in the intestine
• allowing the body to produce vitamin D
• enabling the body to make certain hormones

High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease and a cause of heart attacks.

A build-up of cholesterol is part of the process that narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, plaques form and cause restriction of blood flow.

Reducing the intake of fat in the diet helps to manage cholesterol levels. In particular, it is helpful to limit foods that contain:

• Cholesterol: This is present in animal foods, meat, and cheese.
• Saturated fat: This occurs in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, deep-fried, and processed foods.
• Trans fats: This occurs in some fried and processed foods.

Excess weight or obesity can also lead to higher blood LDL levels. Genetic factors can contribute to high cholesterol. People with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia have very high LDL levels.

Other conditions that can lead to high cholesterol levels, include:

• diabetes
• liver or kidney disease
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• pregnancy and other conditions that increase levels of female hormones
• underactive thyroid gland
• drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol, such as progestins, anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids

A person with high cholesterol levels often has no signs or symptoms, but routine screening and regular blood tests can help detect high levels.

A person who does not undergo testing may have a heart attack without warning, because they did not know that they had high cholesterol levels. Regular tests can help to reduce this risk.

A report from Harvard Health has identified 11 cholesterol-lowering foods that actively decrease cholesterol levels:

• oats
• barley and whole grains
• beans
• eggplant and okra
• nuts
• vegetable oil (canola, sunflower)
• fruits (mainly apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus)
• soy and soy-based foods
• fatty fish (particularly salmon, tuna, and sardines)
• foods rich in fiber

Adding these to a balanced diet can help keep cholesterol in check.

The same report also lists foods that are bad for cholesterol levels. These include:

• red meat
• full-fat dairy
• margarine
• hydrogenated oils
• baked goods

Various low cholesterol recipe books are available to purchase online.

In adults, total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered healthy.

• A reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high.
• A reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.

LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.

• 100–129 mg/dL is acceptable for people with no health problems but may be a concern for anyone with heart disease or heart disease risk factors.
• 130—159 mg/dL is borderline high.
• 160–189 mg/dL is high.
• 190 mg/dL or higher is considered very high.

HDL levels should be kept higher. The optimal reading for HDL levels is of 60 mg/dL or higher.

• A reading of less than 40 mg/dL can be a major risk factor for heart disease.
• A reading from 41 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL is borderline low.

People who wish to reduce their cholesterol levels or maintain a suitable level can make four major lifestyle decisions.

• eat a heart-healthy diet
• regularly exercise
• avoid smoking
• achieve and maintain a healthy weight

These actions will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack.

Since 2013, guidelines on reducing or preventing high cholesterol have focused on addressing lifestyle risks, even at a young age.

Since 2018, new guidelines published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology also urged doctors also to discuss with individuals the following factors that may increase a person’s risk:

• family history and ethnicity
• certain health conditions that increase the risk of high cholesterol, such as chronic kidney disease or chronic inflammatory conditions

Taking these factors into consideration will lead to a more personalized approach to the treatment and prevention of high cholesterol levels.

There are a number of ways to treat high cholesterol; these include:

Lipid-lowering therapy

For a person with high cholesterol levels, drug treatment will depend on their cholesterol level and other risk factors.

Recommendatoins usually start with diet and exercise, but people with a higher risk of a heart attack may need to use statins or other medications.

Statins are the leading group of cholesterol-lowering drugs. The statins available on prescription in the United States include:

• atorvastatin (brand named Lipitor)
• fluvastatin (Lescol)
• lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev)
• pravastatin (Pravachol)
• rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor)
• simvastatin (Zocor)

Apart from statins, a doctor may prescribe:

• selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• resins
• fibrates
• niacin

In 2017, researchers noted that a new drug, ezetimibe, can significantly reduce the risk of a major cardiovascular event in people with a high risk of such events. Etezimibe reduces lipid levels by limiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.

The authors of the updated also mentioned another new type of drug: pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. There is evidence that these drugs are effective at reducing cholesterol levels, especially when a person uses them with ezetimibe.

In 2018, new guidelines recommended a stepped approach, depending on how high an individual’s risk is.

If a person has already had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, a doctor may recommend using ezetimibe as well as a statin. For those at very high risk, the guidelines also recommend adding a PCSK9 inhibitor.

However, the guidelines also note that PCSK9 inhibitors are expensive, and insurance companies may not cover their cost. For this reason, this option is likely to be only for those with a very high risk.

Statin safety

The use of statins has caused some debate because, like all drugs, they can have side effects.

These include:

• statin-induced myopathy (a muscle tissue disease)
• fatigue
• a slightly greater risk of diabetes and diabetes complications, though this is hotly debated

A person should not stop taking a statin without speaking to a doctor, as they may increase their risk of cardiovascular problems.

A doctor might recommend:

• switching to a different medication
• increasing efforts to reduce cholesterol through lifestyle changes

In the past, people have aimed to reduce cholesterol to a target level, for instance, below 100 mg/ dL, but this is no longer the case.

Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not produced enough evidence to support treatment to a specific target.

However, some physicians may still use targets to help guide therapy.

10-year risk of a heart attack

Cholesterol levels play a major part in an individual’s risk of having a heart attack within the next 10 years.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provide an online calculator of cardiovascular risk.

Using research evidence, it weighs the risk according to these factors:

• age
• sex
• cholesterol levels
• smoking status
• blood pressure

Guidelines published in 2018 consider this calculator and essential tool for assessing cholesterol levels and their risk.

Elevated cholesterol contributes to stroke > Rehabilitation center

Cholesterol is an organic compound, a natural fatty (lipophilic) substance. Insoluble in water, soluble in fats and organic solvents. About 80% of cholesterol is produced by the body itself (liver, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, gonads), the remaining 20% ​​comes from food. The body contains 80% free and 20% bound cholesterol. Cholesterol ensures the stability of cell membranes over a wide temperature range. It is necessary for the production of vitamin D, the production of various steroid hormones by the adrenal glands, including cortisol, cortisone, aldosterone, the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, the male sex hormone testosterone.

Cholesterol is also found in food: eggs, meat and dairy products.

Because cholesterol is poorly soluble in water, it cannot be delivered to body tissues in its pure form by water-based blood. Instead, cholesterol in the blood is in the form of highly soluble complex compounds with special transport proteins, the so-called apolipoproteins. Such complex compounds are called lipoproteins.

There are two types of lipoproteins: high density and low density .

Low density lipoproteins are often called “bad”. They tend to precipitate cholesterol crystals and form atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack or ischemic stroke, as well as other cardiovascular complications. Plaque formation is also a cause of transient ischemic attack, the symptoms of which usually resolve within 24 hours.

High density lipoproteins are called “good lipoproteins”. A high content of HDL in the blood is characteristic of a healthy body, so they are called “good”. High-molecular lipoproteins are highly soluble and are not prone to the release of cholesterol into the sediment, and thus protect the vessels from atherosclerotic changes (that is, they are not atherogenic). A high level of this type of x-on reduces the risk of stroke.

High levels of cholesterol or platelets in the blood have a detrimental effect on circulation and normal blood flow to the brain, leading to stroke, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, which are risk factors for stroke.

There are a number of factors that affect blood cholesterol levels. Some of them man is able to change himself, while others are not.

Factors that a person can change on their own :

• Nutrition. Foods high in cholesterol and fat should be excluded from the diet.
• Weight. Excess weight leads to an increase in the level of x-on.
• Physical activity. People who lead a passive lifestyle also suffer from high cholesterol.

Unchanging factors :

• Genetic predisposition. If someone in the family suffered from this disease, there is a chance that other family members will also have it.
• Age. Most people have elevated cholesterol levels before age 65.
• Pos. Women under 50 are less likely to suffer from increased x-on than those who have gone through menopause.

To avoid various kinds of complications, it is necessary to control the level of cholesterol in the blood. So people aged 20 and older should be examined at least once every five years. Men over 45 and women over 55 should do this more often. Monitoring x-on levels is recommended for people with a genetic predisposition.

To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, you should eat a healthy diet, eat low-calorie foods (vegetables, fruits, lean meats, dairy products) and avoid fried foods.

Also see other articles on this topic:

• Atherosclerosis
• Stroke Prevention
• Diabetes mellitus

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Protect your heart! Why is high blood cholesterol dangerous? – Ulyanovsk today

Elena Ibraimova, head of the “Coronary Club” of the Ulyanovsk Regional Cardiological Dispensary, talks about the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, as well as their prevention.

— Elena Anatolyevna, what are cardiovascular diseases? Why is their prevention given close attention?

— I think it would be unnecessary to remind you that in our body all organs are needed and important. The heart is the main muscle of the body. This is a powerful pump that promotes life-giving blood and lymph through the vessels, supplying other organs with oxygen and important substances. The heart acts independently and does not depend on the brain, which controls all other internal organs and muscles. The heart is the most hardworking organ, the work of which does not stop throughout life. This is a powerful motor of the body, which supplies other organs and muscles with oxygen and useful substances through the blood and lymph. That’s why it’s important to have a healthy heart.

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, which include: hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart defects, cardiomyopathies, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, pulmonary embolism, etc. Myocardial infarction or stroke can immediately become a manifestation of the disease without any previous conditions in the body.

— Who is at risk for cardiovascular disease?

– At risk – people with high blood pressure, high blood sugar and cholesterol levels, impaired kidney function. The likelihood of developing the disease is also high in those whose close relatives suffered from diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

— Why does my heart hurt?

— In 90% of cases, the cause of cardiovascular diseases is atherosclerosis, which develops not in one day, but over 10-15 years. Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the heart and brain is the main cause of our ill health and our supermortality! This is a pathological condition caused by impaired blood flow due to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. In general, cholesterol is vital for the body, it is its building material. All cellular structures and tissues of the brain contain cholesterol; without it, the central nervous system cannot function. As part of the blood, cholesterol is good, in the form of plaques it is a threat and evil. With damage to the vessels of the heart, shortness of breath and heaviness in the chest (angina pectoris) occurs. With damage to the vessels of the head – fatigue, distraction, dizziness (hypertension). With damage to the vessels of the legs – pain and intermittent claudication (obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities). And occlusion of blood vessels can also occur, then hemorrhage into the plaque and, as a result, thrombosis and heart attack!

— When should you start taking care of your heart health?

— Prevention of cardiovascular disease should begin in childhood and focus on preventing tobacco use, promoting healthy eating and physical activity among children and young people. Since the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, it is necessary to take measures to reduce it. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, in adulthood, regular medical supervision and timely medical examination are necessary, which will prevent the disease and identify risk factors at an early stage of their development.

— What is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases?

— There is a great non-drug way of prevention — changing the motivation for maintaining health, and not vice versa: to form a conscious attitude towards nutrition, regular physical activity and smoking cessation. The drug method is taking medications if the risk factors to which a person is exposed are weakly amenable to non-drug effects. For example, treatment can help manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. If all risk factors are under control, it can be said that the risk of heart attack and stroke is minimized. In order to check and control the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, you need to know: body mass index, blood pressure level, blood sugar level and cholesterol level.

— Is proper nutrition an effective prevention of heart and vascular diseases?

Yes. Eat a healthy, balanced, high-fiber, low-fat diet. The daily diet should include at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables. Be sure to control portion sizes. Children also need to eat right. To reduce “bad” cholesterol, you need to normalize your diet, reduce the consumption of fatty meat, butter, sausages, fried potatoes, avoid margarine and various spreads that contain trans fats. The right choice is lean white meat, vegetable oils, grains, legumes. Fatty fish (for example, salmon, trout) with its polyunsaturated fatty acids are useful in reasonable quantities. Nuts and especially apples are very good: just one apple a day helps to keep cholesterol at a normal level. If for some reason you cannot keep track of your diet, take a vitamin complex that compensates for the lack of vitamins and minerals in food and will provide significant support to blood vessels and the heart. Minimize salt intake. Excess sodium contributes to fluid retention in the body. As a result, the volume of circulating blood increases, which, in turn, creates a greater load on the heart. Sodium also increases vasospasm, causing blood pressure to rise significantly. To fight overweight is not always enough diets. If you have already unsuccessfully tried to lose weight more than once, pay attention to your lifestyle and lifestyle. This will help you control your body weight, normalize your metabolism and reduce the risk of pathologies that are a consequence of being overweight, help you stay active for many years and ensure a happy future for yourself and your family! This is the most important thing, for which you need to pay attention and time to your body!

— What is the role of exercise in the prevention of cardiovascular disease?

— Vessels and the heart need a load. It increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain cells, which ultimately leads to improved brain function and helps relieve severe headaches of vascular origin. Enough half an hour of physical activity daily at least 4-5 times a week. Remember that activity should be moderate! The cardiovascular system was formed in a person when he was distinguished by great physical activity – he hunted, plowed, got his own food, built housing, etc. Since then, activity has noticeably decreased. For many people, it just faded away. To support the heart and blood vessels, it is necessary to train them. It is not necessary to play sports, it is not even necessary to run – walking is enough, but preferably every day and no less than 40 minutes a day. Carving out those 40-60 minutes is not easy, but it’s worth it!

— Bad habits are a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, if we care about our health, we should stop smoking, for example?

— Active and passive smoking must be excluded, because they cause serious harm to the body. With all irreconcilability it is necessary to fight against smoking. Endothelial dysfunction is the basis of cardiovascular pathology. Endothelium is a superficial layer of cells that covers small and large vessels from the inside. All pathology starts from this layer. It has long been proven that smoking is the main enemy of the endothelium. So stop smoking as soon as possible!

— How often should I visit a doctor?

— Only a doctor can correctly assess the individual risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as suggest solutions to identified problems. An examination can be carried out on an outpatient basis in a fairly short period of time. Cholesterol and glucose levels should be monitored once a year, starting at age 35. However, if heredity is unfavorable, testing is recommended from the age of 20. Adults should carefully monitor the level of blood pressure, because it is it that largely determines the risk of developing pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death worldwide for over 20 years. However, they have never claimed so many lives as they do today. Since 2000, the number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases has increased by more than 2 million and in 2019 reached almost 9 million. Heart disease accounts for 16% of all deaths in the world today.

Every preventive measure allows you to keep your heart healthy and enjoy life. Agree, it is much easier to keep the heart healthy than to subsequently treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels, worrying about what the result of the treatment will be.