30/10/2024
Everything You Need to Know About High Cholesterol (Part 1)
Causes of high cholesterol include diet, smoking, and genetics. High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms, so it’s important to get routine cholesterol screenings if you’re at risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, nearly 86 million Nigerian adults ages 20 or older have cholesterol levels higher than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A high total cholesterol is considered anything greater than 240 mg/dL.
But you may not know you have high cholesterol (also known as hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia) until you get tested because this condition often doesn’t have symptoms.
Cholesterol is a type of lipid — a waxy, fat-like substance that your liver produces. It’s vital for the formation of:
-cell membranes
-certain hormones
-vitamin D
Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, so it can’t travel through your blood on its own. To help transport cholesterol, your liver produces lipoproteins.
Eating too many foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats may increase your riskTrusted Source of developing high cholesterol.
Having obesity may also increase your risk. Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to high cholesterol include inactivity and smoking.
Genetics can also affect your chances of developing high cholesterol.
Other health conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, may increase your risk of developing high cholesterol and related complications.
People of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities can have high cholesterol. While these risk factors are out of your control, there are ways to reduce your risks.
Next week we will talk about types of cholesterol, how to lower it, how to prevent and home remedies.
Like, share and follow to stay updated
Your health is your greatest wealth
Let's help you live healthier for longer
