Having high cholesterol levels in the blood means a considerable increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, cholesterol is a substance of vital importance for health, given the functions it performs in the organism.
In any case, when a person has high blood cholesterol levels, it is necessary to establish treatment as soon as possible to reduce these levels and avoid major problems.
Thus, the only way to know exactly the cholesterol levels is through a blood test, where all the necessary values are observed to determine the situation and the steps to follow to put an immediate solution.
Treatment to reduce cholesterol
In a blood test the levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) are observed. The main problem arises when LDL levels are too high, as plaque build-up in the arteries can cause obstruction or blockage of blood flow.
When this happens, the risk of cardiovascular disease skyrockets. This is why it is necessary to carry out adequate prevention and to find an immediate solution in the event that cholesterol levels are too high.
The main treatment to reduce the amount of this substance in the blood consists of modifying certain lifestyle habits. First of all, it is necessary to establish a specific diet low in fat and where healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, predominate.
In addition, another vital aspect in this regard is to increase the regularity of physical exercise during the week. The physical activity plan must be adjusted to the condition of each patient, since overexertion can be harmful.
In severe cases, it is also possible that your doctor may indicate the intake of certain specific medications to reduce cholesterol levels, such as Atorvastatin.
Symptoms of hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia is the name given to high cholesterol levels. This situation constitutes an important health risk, so it is necessary to establish a prevention and treatment plan.
However, one of the main problems with high cholesterol is that it does not manifest itself through symptoms. That is, it may only be discovered if the person experiences symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
Occasionally, however, yellow patches called xanthomas may appear around the eyes or elsewhere on the skin as a result of high cholesterol. But this happens very rarely.
Therefore, medical specialists stress the importance of regular check-ups and blood tests in order to be able to detect hypercholesterolemia in time to establish an adequate treatment. These check-ups become even more necessary after the age of 50.
In addition, people with a history of familial hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease should have a blood test every year to control the levels of cholesterol in the organism.
