Cholesterol is an essential fat-like molecule our body needs to complete it and form its cells and generate vitamins and hormones. But as cholesterol increases, they can actually creep up on you and cause heart disease, stroke and other deadly medical conditions. Here is a breakdown on what cholesterol is, when it is considered dangerous, as well as what can be done about it. In Helicopteros Sanitarios we diagnose the presence of high cholesterol levels, as well as advise you on when we should act in such cases and how to act against the health risks it entails. Here, is everything you need to know about cholesterol levels and our Diagnosis of High Cholesterol Levels in Costa del Sol.
What is Cholesterol and Why is it Important?
Cholesterol travels through your blood in two types of lipoproteins:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein(LDL): The reason, that LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol, it is because LDL brings cholesterol to your arteries. That is, too much LDL cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries and lead to heart disease.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): This is off-course the good cholesterol as it helps transport the cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, where it can be metabolized and eliminated from the body.
When is Cholesterol Considered High?
Generally, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and normal levels are:
- Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is ideal
- HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher is protective, while less than 40 mg/dL for men or 50 mg/dL for women is a concern
If cholesterol levels exceeds these ranges and especially the case of LDL, its called a warning sign. There are no signs of high cholesterol, as it can only be diagnosed with a blood test. Non-high-determination diagnosing services (specifically the measure of cholesterol withinside the blood) at Helicopteros Sanitarios in Costa del Sol and the recommendation that your cholesterol is growing and well-off steps are excessive – accompanying well-known symptoms and signs and symptoms with the use of a doctor so propensities can be developed.
Why High Cholesterol Matters
High cholesterol, especially high LDL and low HDL, can lead to:
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.
- Heart Attack: When plaque restricts blood flow to the heart.
- Stroke: If a blockage affects blood flow to the brain.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): When cholesterol affects arteries in the legs, leading to pain or difficulty walking.
Factors that Increase Your Risk
High cholesterol may develop due to lifestyle, genetics, or other factors. Here’s a closer look:
Lifestyle Choices
- Unhealthy Diet: Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats, like red meat and fried items, can raise LDL cholesterol.
- Lack of Exercise: Physical activity helps increase HDL cholesterol, and without it, LDL can rise.
- Smoking: Smoking lowers HDL levels and damages artery walls, encouraging cholesterol buildup.
Genetic Factors
Somepeople may inherit high cholesterol. In this scenario, the body has more difficulty eliminating LDL, resulting in elevated levels from youth. If your family has a history of high cholesterol or heart disease, routine testing is ideal.
Age and Gender
Cholesterol levels rise with age because our bodies simply become more inefficient at processing LDL. For women, cholesterol levels are not a concern until they hit menopause, but men are typically more at risk at a younger age. In contrast, after menopause there is an increase in LDL levels and monitoring is necessary in women.
Recognizing When High Cholesterol is a Problem
A high cholesterol diagnosis may prompt immediate lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. However, the urgency often depends on individual risk factors, such as:
- Presence of Heart Disease or Diabetes: People with these conditions are at higher risk from high cholesterol.
- Blood Pressure Levels: High cholesterol combined with high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart issues.
- Family History of Cardiovascular Issues: If there’s a history of heart disease or stroke in your family, high cholesterol should be closely monitored.
- Lifestyle: Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, or smoking habit should be more vigilant.
Steps to Take If You Have High Cholesterol
Addressing high cholesterol often starts with lifestyle changes:
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as those in nuts and olive oil.
- Exercise Regularly: Aiming for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week can help raise HDL and lower LDL.
- Quit Smoking: Eliminating smoking can improve HDL levels and reduce cholesterol-related risks.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing weight, if necessary, can lower LDL and total cholesterol.
In some cases, these changes alone may not be enough, especially if cholesterol levels are significantly high or if other risk factors are present. In such instances, doctors may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins, which help reduce LDL levels.
Diagnosis of High Cholesterol Levels in Costa del Sol
Helicopteros Sanitarios in Costa del Sol has a full diagnostic testing to help find the high cholesterol rates before it becomes a critical problem. We will be able to help you identify risk factors and whether your cholesterol levels could benefit from a lifestyle change, medication or further testing through advanced screenings. Cholesterol levels are manageable, and if the condition is identified early, there is a lot that can be done to prevent long-term issues.
If you have high cholesterol, or want peace of mind, then Helicopteros Sanitarios can provide that peace of mind. Our Diagnosis of High Cholesterol Levels in Costa del Sol will allow you to detect it reliably and quickly in order to control it properly. By detecting risk factors early and offering you the guidance you need, we will help you to take charge of your health giving you the opportunity to enjoy a happier, healthier future.