Cholesterol is an essential substance for the organism, however, when levels in the blood are too high, it can be a health problem. That is why it is appropriate to control its values on a regular basis.
Among other things, cholesterol is one of the most important lipids or fats found in the body. It is key for the formation of organ cell membranes and is also used as ‘raw material for the synthesis of sex and thyroid hormones; among other things.
Thus, when cholesterol levels accumulate in the blood they can be a major problem and constitute a risk factor for the development of different cardiovascular diseases, and can even lead to death.
How to detect high cholesterol levels?
Hypercholesterolemia is the term used to define high blood cholesterol values. Thus, the Spanish Heart Foundation warns that, as a general rule, having high cholesterol levels does not manifest itself through any symptoms.
In other words, to determine the existence of hypercholesterolemia it will be necessary to perform a blood test that shows the values of cholesterol and triglycerides.
In this regard, Dr. Carlos Morillas, head of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Section of the Hospital Universitario Dr Peset (Valencia, Spain), explains that «an analysis should be made with 12 hours of fasting in all persons over 40 years of age, or in case of presenting high cardiovascular risk at any age (less relevant fasting for LDL, but important for triglyceride values); and then a second check analysis in which secondary causes of this increase in cholesterol will be ruled out».
This is the only way to accurately determine the existence of high cholesterol levels and, if so, to establish a treatment to reduce them as soon as possible.
Reducing levels
In this sense, to reduce cholesterol levels, Dr. Morilla advocates establishing a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. That is, one that is low in saturated fats, cholesterol and trans fats.
Likewise, in this new dietary plan it will be advisable to limit the consumption of processed foods and red meat; at the same time it is advisable to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables and fish. Physical exercise is key to increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
With all this, together with an adequate diet, it is advisable to implement a program of aerobic exercise with activities such as walking, gentle running, swimming or cycling; and whose intensity is moderate and performed regularly. This will increase HDL cholesterol and reduce LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides.
«It should be pointed out that high bad cholesterol does not hurt, but it accumulates in the arterial wall, forming plaques that in the long term can obstruct the arterial lumen and cause a cardiovascular event,» says Dr. Morillas.
In conclusion, this specialist assures us that it is essential to always individualize the cardiovascular risk of each patient, taking into account all his or her circumstances.
