Understanding Cholesterol Levels
You have this condition if there are high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Thee are three parts of cholesterol:
- Low density lipoproteins (LDL)—involved in depositing cholesterol and other fats throughout the body, high levels of LDL put you at risk for hardening of the arteries and heart disease
- High density lipoproteins (HDL)—involved in eliminating cholesterol and other fats from the body, high levels of HDL are protective against heart disease
- Triglycerides—a common form of fat in the body
Causes of high cholesterol include:
These factors increase your chance of developing high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
- Age: cholesterol levels tend to rise with age
-
Sex:
- Family members with high cholesterol
- High-fat diet
- Obesity, overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms. If not treated, it often leads to hardening of the arteries (called atherosclerosis). This condition ends up blocking blood as it travels through arteries. In severe cases, this may result in:
If you have an inherited form of high cholesterol, cholesterol deposits in the:
- Tendons
- Under the eyes
- Around the cornea
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. These tests are used to measure the cholesterol levels in your blood:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Treatment may include:
If diet and exercise don't lower cholesterol, you may need medication. Examples include:
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Colestipol (Colestid)
- Niacin (Niacor)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Ezetimibe (Zetia)
Statins are often prescribed for high cholesterol. In a study, atorvastatin reduced plaque in the arteries. If you are at high risk for coronary artery disease, combination therapy may be needed to lower LDL.
To help reduce your chance of getting high cholesterol, follow the lifestyle changes.
Last reviewed December 2007 by Jill Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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