A too high cholesterol level is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It can be a result of the coronary heart condition, stroke or peripheral vascular illness. It is also linked to high blood pressure and diabetes. In all instances the root reason is that high cholesterol results in fatty plaques that accumulate in arterial blood vessels all over the body.
To manage or prevent these ailments, consult your physician. Also, you can take easy steps to reduce the cholesterol in your body and reduce your risk of developing the aforementioned diseases.
Cholesterol as well as Coronary Heart Disease
The most significant risk associated with the high level of cholesterol lies in coronary heart diseases which could lead to the death of heart attacks. If your cholesterol is too high, cholesterol will build up inside the walls surrounding your blood vessels. In time, this accumulation known as plaque causes the hardening of arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis. The arteries that supply the heart may become narrowed in particular locations (focal closing) and cause a slowing of blood flow to a portion of that muscle. The cholesterol plaques can break and then float away into smaller blood vessels, and result in a complete or partial blockage. In some cases, inflammatory cells may be drawn to the damaged plaque and cause shrinking of the area. The reduced blood flow may cause chest pain, known as angina, or even heart attacks in the event that a blood vessel becomes completely blocked.
Cholesterol and Stroke
Cholesterol plaques aren’t only lining your blood vessels within the heart and around it however, they also block certain arterial routes that go towards your brain. If the blood vessel that carries oxygen to your brain has been completely blocked it could result in stroke.
Cholesterol, and Peripheral Vascular Disease
Alongside your heart and brain cholesterol plaque may cause problems in your feet and locations beyond your heart and your brain (peripheral blood vessel disease). The feet and legs are the most commonly affected. There may be the calves getting crampy when you walk. They will get better when you rest. It’s like anginaIt operates in exactly the same way, however, it’s in your legs rather than your heart.
Cholesterol and Diabetes
The effects of diabetes can disrupt the balance between the levels of HDL which is also known as “good” cholesterol as well as LDL also known as “bad” cholesterol. People who have diabetes are more likely to be prone to LDL particles that are stuck to the arteries and can damage the blood vessel walls more quickly. Glucose (a kind of sugar) is a lipoprotein that attaches to it (a cholesterol-protein bundle that allows cholesterol to move across blood). Sugar-coated LDL is present in bloodstreams for longer, which can cause plaque to develop. People suffering from diabetes, specifically Type 2 Diabetes, may suffer from low HDL and elevated triglyceride (another type of fat in the blood) levels. Both of these increase the risk of developing heart or coronary artery disease.
Cholesterol and high blood pressure
Although the high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) may be related with cholesterol, experts are still studying the exact mechanism. The presence of cholesterol can trigger inflammation, and release of hormones that trigger blood vessels to tighten (or “constrict” and consequently raise blood pressure. Doctors refer to it as “endothelial dysfunction, ” when blood vessels behave in this manner.
The high blood pressure can also be connected to heart disease.
The Erectile Dysfunction is caused by Cholesterol.
Erectile dysfunction happens when a man doesn’t have or keep an erection throughout sexual activity. In the long run high cholesterol may cause a narrowing of the smaller blood vessels in the penis, which are supposed to stretch to let more blood flow into the erection (endothelial dysfunction once again). Additionally, if you’re suffering from excessive LDL cholesterol it may build up in arteries , and later join with other substances to form plaques that harden and narrows the blood vessels of others (atherosclerosis). This could result in lower flow of blood to the penis and the heart and can cause an erectile dysfunction.
5 steps to lower cholesterol and the Risks of Related Diseases
A few easy adjustments can lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing conditions related to high cholesterol.
Consult with a professional for guidance on making lifestyle changes. Your physician can assist you develop an effective diet and exercising.
Give your diet a makeover. Try walnuts, oatmeal, salmon, tuna, sardines and tofu. Avoid foods that contain high levels of saturated and trans fats, as well as simple sugars.
No smoking. It reduces cholesterol levels “good” (HDL) cholesterol. If you stop smoking it, you’ll be more likely to have it. There are many other benefits to your body in general.
Move! Even small amount of physical activity, such as 30 minutes a day of vigorous walking can help you manage your weight. It also helps with other issues which put you at risk of developing heart diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Exercise can reduce the levels of triglycerides and also increase cholesterol levels. It can also increase your “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels. Both are beneficial for your heart.
You should take your medication. The doctor might prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol. Use them according to the instructions. Questions? Talk to your pharmacist or doctor.