What is hypercholesterolemia?

Hypercholesterolemia occurs when the blood level is elevated levels of total cholesterol. It is the result of high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) compared to cholesterol lipoprotein with high density (HDL). These are two main groups of cholesterol.

LDL, "bad" cholesterol, leaves greasy deposits or plaky in blood vessels. The accumulation of these plaques takes over the blood vessels and blocks the blood supply to the organs. HDL, "good" cholesterol, cleans the excess cholesterol from the body, minimizing the amount of overload and blockage.

Hypercholesterolemia solidifies and narrows blood vessels in different parts of the body, leading to fatal diseases such as chest pain, heart attack and stroke. Blocked blood vessels in the limbs can cause pain, ulcers, infections and gangrene.

causes. The primary cause of hypercholesterolemia is an unhealthy lifestyle. Lack of exercise and diet that has a high saturation of fat and cholesterThey lick the amount of LDL in the bloodstream. Such a lifestyle can lead to obesity, which in itself causes overproduction of cholesterol. Those who drink alcohol and/or smoke cigarettes too much increase their risk of this condition.

Some diseases such as kidney disorder, liver disease and diabetes prevent the body from effectively process cholesterol and therefore increase the total cholesterol levels. In addition, those who have a family history of heart disease tend to have a higher probability of developing hypercholesterolemia. Although rare, hypercholesterolemia may be the result of a hereditary condition known as lipid disorder. In this case, genetic defect in liver cells causes excess LDL cholesterol from birth.

symptoms. Hypercholesterolemia is a slow and quiet murderer. There are no visible physical symptoms until we develop on other diseases such as infoArct and stroke.

diagnosis. hypercholesterolemia is diagnosed with a blood test. The patient is obliged to cover all food and drink, except for water, for 12 hours before the blood sample is drawn. The blood test will measure LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. These levels are measured in milligrams (mg) to deciliter (DL) of blood. The desired total cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dl, while the border level is between 200 and 239 mg/dl. Hypercholesterolemia is diagnosed when the total cholesterol level exceeds 240 mg/dl.

treatment. The treatment of hypercholesterolemia focuses on lowering LDL cholesterol. There are two ways to achieve this:

1.

Healthy diet and regular exercise are essential. Fiber -rich diet and low -saturated fat and cholesterol reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Simuating is highly recommended by a good exercise programto increase HDL cholesterol.

Weight should be managed constantly. In addition, pour pounds to maintain the desired weight. Do not forget that with overweight or obese itself increases the occurrence of hypercholesterolemia. In addition, those who smoke should stop because smoking lowers HDL cholesterol. Other advantages of quitting include lower blood pressure and reduced risk of lung cancer and heart disease.

2.

If diet and exercise are not sufficient, doctors can also recommend medication. Statins are a common class of drugs prescribed for hypercholesterolemia and include orthopic, fluvastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin and lovastatin. Gemfibrozil, cholestyramine and niacin are other medicines that help reduce blood cholesterol. Depending on gravity, doctors may prescribe one or more of these drugs.

hypercholesterolemia do not discriminate. Anyone who leads an unhealthy lifestyle and/or has a family anamIt is particularly susceptible to this condition. Therefore, it is wise to have cholesterol levels checked regularly to capture the condition in its early stages.