Choosing a healthy, balanced diet not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but it helps prevent a wide variety of diseases, from high blood pressure to heart disease and hypercholesterolemia. We must remember that everything we eat has a significant impact on our body, and this is why a healthy diet, combined with regular exercise, is essential to achieve good long-term health.
What is hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in our blood and all cells in the body, and is necessary to function properly. However, when there is excess cholesterol, it can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol is a medical condition in which a blood cholesterol value is above normal..
What causes hypercholesterolemia? Know its causes
There are several factors that can cause this condition. Among them we can highlight:
- Genetics: Some people may have genes that make it difficult for them to eliminate cholesterol or that cause their body to produce more cholesterol than necessary.
- Unhealthy eating habits: A diet with excess saturated fats and trans fats can increase blood cholesterol levels.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise can decrease "good" cholesterol (HDL) and increase "bad" cholesterol (LDL).
- Age: As we age, it becomes more difficult for the liver to remove bad cholesterol. This is why high cholesterol is more common in people over 40 years old.
- Body weight: Excess weight or body fat can increase blood cholesterol levels.
- Diseases: some diseases such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes or kidney and liver failure can increase blood cholesterol levels.
- Tobacco consumption: this habit can lower “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels.
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View pathologies and treatmentsSymptoms of hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol
This condition usually has no symptoms and may go unnoticed until it causes a vascular disease such as angina or a heart attack. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to have an annual medical check-up to detect any alarming values and take early measures to prevent problems.
However, in some cases the Hypercholesterolemia may present some symptoms. Among them we find xanthomas, which are small yellowish bumps caused by the accumulation of cholesterol under the skin, cramps in the calves when walking or chest pain.
Types of hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol
The High cholesterol can have different causes and ways of manifesting itself. In some cases, this condition can be acquired due to unhealthy habits, while in other cases it is hereditary, passed from parents to children. Next, we will explore the different types of hypercholesterolemia.
Primary hypercholesterolemia
This term is used for cases in which the Elevated blood cholesterol levels are due to hereditary or acquired factors that are not related to other underlying diseases or conditions. Within it, two types can be highlighted: familial and polygenic hypercholesterolemia.
Familial hypercholesterolemia
It is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the genes that control the way cholesterol is processed in the body.. It is characterized by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood since childhood and it is extremely important to diagnose this condition early and treat it correctly, since people who suffer from it have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Polygenic hypercholesterolemia
It is the most common variant of primary hypercholesterolemia and is due to the result of the interaction of several genes and environmental factors. Unlike familial hypercholesterolemia, which is caused by a mutation in a single gene, Polygenic hypercholesterolemia is caused by the presence of multiple genetic variants that affect cholesterol metabolism. Although in this case such high cholesterol values do not occur, it is also important to detect and treat it in time due to the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Secondary hypercholesterolemia
Secondary hypercholesterolemia differs from previous cases because it is caused by factors other than genetic ones.. It is often related to habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, among others. In these cases, it is essential to treat the cause of the condition, since cholesterol control is only one aspect of many that must be considered. Changes in the patient's lifestyle, such as a healthy diet and physical activity, are key to controlling this condition.
How is hypercholesterolemia diagnosed?
To diagnose this condition, a blood test to measure total cholesterol levels, as well as “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels. In most cases, the diagnosis is based on the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL), since it is considered that high levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
It is also possible to perform a more complete blood test, in which other risk factors are evaluated, such as blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and the presence of inflammation in the body.
Prevention of hypercholesterolemia
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is key to preventing this condition. It is important to follow a healthy and balanced diet, perform regular physical activity and control risk factors such as tobacco and body weight. It is also essential to carry out the recommended regular medical check-ups to detect any problems at an early stage.
What to do if I have hypercholesterolemia and how to treat it?
If you have been diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, it is important to take measures to reduce the risk of complications. Among the actions you can take are lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and exercising. In addition, you can carry out a regular medical check-up, control risk factors and, if necessary, take the recommended medication. Remember that, although the Hypercholesterolemia can be a serious conditionWith adequate treatment and adopting the necessary lifestyle changes, it is possible to control it and reduce the risks of complications.
What diet can a person with high cholesterol follow?
A proper diet is essential for people with high cholesterol. To control blood cholesterol levels, a diet low in saturated fats and trans fats is recommended. Among the foods that are recommended to include we can find:
- Fruits and vegetables: they are important as they are rich in fiber. Fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract, eliminating it from the body.
- Fish: salmon, mackerel and tuna are fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce blood triglyceride levels.
- Legumes: chickpeas, lentils and beans are rich in healthy fiber, helping to reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
- Cereals: Whole grains can help reduce bad cholesterol levels since they are rich in fiber. You can incorporate foods such as brown rice or oats, among others.
- Lean meats: chicken, rabbit, turkey and pork have a low fat content and are ideal to include in a healthy diet.
What should a patient with hypercholesterolemia not eat?
To control blood cholesterol levels, it is important to avoid certain Foods that can contribute to raising LDL cholesterol. Some foods that can raise levels are:
- Processed meat: Consumption of processed meats such as sausages, bacon and ham should be limited as it increases LDL cholesterol levels. They can be replaced with lean meats or fish.
- Foods rich in sugar: it is recommended to avoid sweets, soft drinks and cakes since the high level of sugar can contribute to weight gain and blood triglyceride levels. Instead, it is recommended to consume fruits.
- Alcohol: blood triglyceride levels can increase due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Make a Annual medical check-up is essential to detect silent conditions such as high cholesterol in time., which can be a risk indicator for cardiovascular diseases.
At Clínica Elgeadi, we offer a comprehensive medical approach that allows us to identify any health problems in time, so we can treat them before they worsen. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with us to carry out a check-up and take care of your health.
