What is Bad Cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol)?
What is Good Cholesterol (HDL Cholesterol)?
What Are the Ideal Cholesterol Levels?
However, the decision on whether your levels are normal or abnormal should be assessed by your doctor, who will consider your medical history and overall health data.
What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol can arise from various reasons. It may be genetic, or due to the presence of other diseases in the patient, poor diet, or insufficient physical activity. High cholesterol can predispose one to heart attacks, strokes, kidney and liver diseases.
What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?
- Fatty deposits especially around the eyes
- Persistent fatigue
- Numbness and pain in feet and legs
- Slow healing of wounds
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
How is High Cholesterol Treated?
- Smoking should be stopped,
- Alcohol should be reduced or sometimes eliminated,
- Exercise should be done,
- The diet should be revised according to doctor’s recommendations.
What Can Be Done to Lower Cholesterol?
Adopting the lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor is the most effective way to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. First, the consumption of foods containing saturated and trans fats should be reduced. Fried foods, processed meats, and packaged foods should be avoided. High-fiber foods, particularly oats, vegetables, and fruits, provide a balancing effect by reducing the absorption of bad cholesterol from the intestines.
Managing Cholesterol with Healthy Nutrition
Limiting sugary drinks, products with white flour, and excessive red meat consumption is important for lowering triglyceride levels. Plenty of water consumption contributes to the healthier functioning of the liver and kidneys and thus supports the elimination of cholesterol from the body.
Importance of Regular Checkups
Symptoms of high cholesterol do not always appear clearly. Therefore, even without complaints, it is important to regularly monitor LDL, HDL, triglyceride, and total cholesterol values through blood tests. High cholesterol detected early can be easily controlled with lifestyle changes, preventing serious health issues before they occur.
Rules Cholesterol Patients Should Follow
After symptoms of high cholesterol appear, patients should adopt not just treatment but also a long-term lifestyle change. To achieve this:
- Pay attention to daily fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Use plant-based oils instead of animal fats.
- Be mindful of meal timing and avoid eating late at night.
- Regulate sleep patterns to help maintain body metabolism balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes high cholesterol, is it genetic or diet-related?
High cholesterol can be due to both genetic factors and lifestyle. Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol are known to be at risk due to genetic predisposition. However, environmental factors such as an unhealthy diet, inactivity, smoking, and being overweight can also negatively affect cholesterol levels. Even with genetic predisposition, cholesterol levels can be controlled with lifestyle changes.
What does HDL cholesterol mean and why is it important?
HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from blood vessel walls and transports it to the liver. Therefore, it is called "good cholesterol." The higher the HDL level, the lower the risk of heart and vascular diseases. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and quitting smoking are factors that increase HDL cholesterol levels.
What is beneficial for cholesterol, how can it be naturally lowered?
To lower cholesterol naturally, dietary habits should be changed first. Consumption of high-fiber vegetables, oatmeal, nuts, olive oil, and fish lowers cholesterol levels. Additionally, exercising, maintaining weight control, and avoiding stress also have a positive impact. Before using herbal supplements or aids, consulting a doctor is essential.
How long does cholesterol treatment last, are medications used for a lifetime?
The duration of cholesterol treatment varies individually. While lifestyle changes may suffice for mild cholesterol elevation, medication might be necessary in more severe cases. Some patients may use these medications for an extended period or a lifetime. The course of treatment should always be evaluated under doctor’s supervision.