High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)

Definition

High cholesterol is excess levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol in the blood consists of three main components:

• 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

Causes of high cholesterol include:

• Inherited tendency to have high cholesterol
• High-fat diet
• Overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Excess alcohol intake
• Liver or kidney disease
• Anorexia nervosa
• Underactive thyroid disease

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for high cholesterol include:

• Age: Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older.
• Sex:
  
  • Males
  • Females after menopause
• Family members with high cholesterol
• High-fat diet
• Obesity, overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle

Symptoms

High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms. Over time, however, untreated high cholesterol often leads to atherosclerosis. This is a condition that eventually blocks the flow blood as it travels through arteries to the tissues of the body. In severe cases this may result in angina, heart attack, stroke, and other serious complications.

In people with an inherited form of high cholesterol, cholesterol deposits in the tendons, under the eyes, and around the cornea.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. High cholesterol is diagnosed through tests that measure levels of the following factors in your blood:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Prevention

To reduce your chance of having high cholesterol:

• Eat a healthful diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.