How To Reduce Cholesterol Levels
If a person has high cholesterol but doesnt experience angina, controlling LDL levels may keep it from further developing.
While there are several pharmaceutical approaches to controlling high cholesterol, all work better when combined with improved diet and increased physical activity.
Following an eating plan which is heavy on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains while simultaneously low in animal fats not only helps to reduce cholesterol levels, but also plays an important role in losing weight or maintaining healthy weight levels.
/16high Cholesterol May Be A Silent Killer But Symptoms May Showcase In Subtle Ways
There are several indicators of cardiovascular diseases, of which high cholesterol is one of the top risk factors.
Raised cholesterol levels increase the risks of heart disease and stroke, as per the World Health Organization. Furthermore, a third of ischemic heart disease is attributable to high cholesterol worldwide, says the global health agency.
What makes high cholesterol more concerning is the fact that most often, it doesn’t manifest itself through symptoms or a person’s physical appearance, which is why it is also termed a ‘silent killer.’
Know The Warning Signs Of Heart Attack
Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 if you feel any of the following:
- Pain, pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back
- Pain or discomfort in one or both of your arms, your back, your neck, your jaw, or your stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
Dont ignore any of these signs of a heart attack. Quick action could save your life.
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The Big Results And Conclusions: Statins Were Not Good Pain Medications
- No matter what statin was used: Statin use was not associated with a lower risk of worsening pain. In other words, statins were not good pain medications.
- Atorvastatin use was associated with a reduced risk of developing pain, whilst rosuvastatin leads to a higher risk of developing pain.
From the researchers: The effect of statins use on knee osteoarthritis outcomes remains unclear, although in our study those using statins for over five years and those using atorvastatin reported a significantly lower risk of developing knee pain.
Confusing right?
- First, the Atorvastatin user was associated with a reduced risk of developing pain AS COMPARED to which lead to a higher risk of developing pain. So the Atorvastatin produced less knee pain risk, but still a risk.
- Either way, if you already have knee pain, cholesterol-lowering medicine will not help make it less painful or from it getting worse.
So again, all these research universities and national resources and a long-term study of over 1000 patients came to this conclusion: The effect of statins use on knee osteoarthritis outcomes remains unclear.
Tingles In Your Hands And Feet
A sort of tingling sensation in your hands and your feet definitely isnt uncommon if youre dealing with too high cholesterol levels. Because of blocked blood vessels, the peripheral nerves in your feet and hands are also affected as theyre not getting enough oxygen and blood flow. This usually doesnt result in pain, but can induce a rather noticeable tingling sensation instead.
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Can High Cholesterol Cause A Stroke
Yes, if you have high cholesterol, youre at risk of stroke due to the excess cholesterol circulating in your blood, according to the AHA.
LDL builds up in your arteries, where it slows or blocks the flow of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to your body, including your brain. As arteries narrow and stiffen, blood clots may form a blockage, which can cause a stroke if it travels to the brain.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and one of the main causes of disability, according to the American Stroke Association. But it can be mostly preventable keeping your cholesterol levels down is one way to cut your risk.
Muscle Pain And Weakness
The most common side effect is muscle pain and weakness, a condition called rhabdomyolysis, most likely due to the depletion of Co-Q10, a nutrient that supports muscle function. Dr. Beatrice Golomb of San Diego, California is currently conducting a series of studies on statin side effects. The industry insists that only 2-3 percent of patients get muscle aches and cramps but in one study, Golomb found that 98 percent of patients taking Lipitor and one-third of the patients taking Mevachor suffered from muscle problems.4 A message board devoted to Lipitor at forum.ditonline.com contained more than 800 posts, many detailing severe side effects. The Lipitor board at www.rxlist.com contains more than 2,600 posts .
The test for muscle wasting or rhabdomyolysis is elevated levels of a chemical called creatine kinase . But many people experience pain and fatigue even though they have normal CK levels.5
John Altrocchi took Mevacor for three years without side effects then he developed calf pain so severe he could hardly walk. He also experienced episodes of temporary memory loss.
Active people are much more likely to develop problems from statin use than those who are sedentary. In a study carried out in Austria, only six out of 22 athletes with familial hypercholesterolemia were able to endure statin treatment.9 The others discontinued treatment because of muscle pain.
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How Is Hiv Joint Pain Diagnosed
See your doctor to diagnose the cause of your problem and get treatment. They may ask you to rate your pain on a scale from one to 10, or to describe how it feels â does it burn, throb, stab, or ache? Let them know if your joint pain:
- Comes and goes, or is constant
- Is new or has bothered you for a while
- If any activities or treatments seem to make it better or worse
Itâs important to make sure an infection other than HIV isnât causing your pain. Because HIV weakens your immune system, your body may not be able to fight off bacterial infections that could cause joint pain and damage.
You may need X-rays, blood tests, or synovial fluid tests to find out whatâs causing your problems.
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Bloating And Digestive Issues
The main reason for increased cholesterol levels is overeating fatty and fried food affects our liver and produces bad cholesterol in the body. If you are facing high cholesterol, then you may feel bloated even after eating significantly less.
Your stomach makes you feel heaviness and disinterest in appetite. The excess flow of lipid substance directly affects the metabolism and triggers the digestive system in your body, and you feel bloating and heaviness.
If you are constantly feeling these issues, then you must go for a lipid profile test.
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Symptoms Of High Cholesterol On Skin
A few symptoms can indicate that you have high cholesterol on your skin. These symptoms may include:
How To Lower Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications or both.
Here are some ways to manage your cholesterol.
Eat heart-healthy food
What you eat can make a big difference to your cholesterol levels.
Cut back on foods high in saturated fats like:
Drink less alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. So drinking less is a good way to lower your cholesterol.
The Ministry of Health recommends no more than 10 standard drinks per week for women and no more than 15 for men. One standard drink is equal to:
- a standard can of 4% beer
- a small glass of wine
- a small single shot of spirits
If you have high cholesterol or you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition, you may need to drink less than this.
Quit smoking
Smoking makes your LDL cholesterol stickier and reduces the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood. It also damages the artery walls. This increases the build-up of plaque in your arteries and can cause risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quitting smoking is a great way to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Move more
Sitting less and being more active are great ways to reduce high cholesterol.
This doesnt mean you have to join a gym or take up running it just means you need to move your body more throughout the day. Ideally you should do 30 minutes of activity a day.
You could try:
Read more about the benefits of exercise.
Cholesterol medication
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Scary Effects Of High Cholesterol On The Body
High cholesterol is most often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle, but ones genes can also play a role. There are genetic conditions that can lead to either overproduction of cholesterol, or, more commonly the inability to break down excess cholesterol, Dr. Tania Elliott, Chief Medical Officer of EHE, says. Think of LDL bad cholesterol as the bad person who throws trash all over, making roads unpassable. HDL good cholesterol is, using the same logic, the nice person picking up the trash, clearing the way.
/16when To See A Doctor
A person’s first cholesterol screening should occur between the ages of 9 and 11, and be repeated every five years, according to the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It is recommended that men between the ages 45 to 65 and women between the ages 55 to 65 should get a cholesterol screening every one to two years. Your doctor might also suggest more-frequent tests if you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
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Could High Cholesterol Be Causing Your Chest Pain
Do you sometimes feel pain, pressure, or discomfort in your chest? If so, you may have angina, a condition in which your heart doesnt get enough of the oxygen-rich blood it needs.
Angina can have a variety of causes, but the most common is coronary heart disease, which occurs when a waxy substance known as plaque builds up in the arteries. Plaque can accumulate in your arteries when you have high cholesterol.
If you have chest pain related to high cholesterol and plaque buildup, you need to understand your condition and your symptoms. The dedicated team of providers here at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC would like to share the following facts about chest pain and cholesterol.
/16why Is High Cholesterol Concerning
Apart from the fact that increased cholesterol comes with no visible sign, hence making it hard to detect, it can be quite detrimental for your heart.
“Raised cholesterol levels increase the risks of heart disease and stroke,” says the World Health Organization.
Globally, a third of ischaemic heart disease is attributable to high cholesterol, adds the global health agency.
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Symptoms Of High Cholesterol On Eyes
There are many potential symptoms of high cholesterol that can affect the eyes. Some of the more common symptoms include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible and get checked for high cholesterol. If you are already suffering from high cholesterol, treating it early is vital in preventing any long-term damage to your eyesight.
What You Can Do
Learn the basics: âYour cholesterolâ isnât just one number, but several that together give your doctor a âlipid profile.â Unhealthy levels are linked to hardening of the arteries, which can cause heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Your numbers include âbadâ and âgoodâ cholesterol, and triglycerides. Armed with this knowledge, and with the help and guidance of your doctor, you can start to understand and manage your own levels.
Get tested: Because unhealthy cholesterol numbers often donât cause symptoms, especially at first, itâs important to get tested. You can be slim and feel healthy and still have a cholesterol problem. Once you know thereâs a problem, you can try to change it through diet, lifestyle, and, if necessary, medication. But youâre unlikely to do that if you donât know about it. If youâre 20 or older, you should get your levels checked every 4 to 6 years. Your doctor should test you more often if youâre overweight or diabetic or you have heart disease.
Exercise: Regular exercise is one of the best ways to control your cholesterol. You donât have to run a marathon. A half-hour or so of brisk walking, swimming, or dancing three or four times a week should do the trick. If youâre short on time, you can break it into 10-minute increments throughout the day. Resistance training — pushups, pullups, weights — may help too.
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Increased Risk Of Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted. If you have high cholesterol, the blood vessels in your brain can narrow along with vessels in the rest of your body.
A stroke can happen when a blood clot blocks blood flow or a narrowed artery significantly reduces blood flow. Signs of a stroke include sudden weakness, speech difficulty, vision changes, and dizziness. In the event of a stroke, its extremely important to seek immediate medical care to prevent severe complications or death.
Q Can High Cholesterol Cause Hand Numbness
Ans- Yes, high cholesterol can cause hand numbness. This effect is usually due to the fact that high cholesterol levels can increase plaque formation in the arteries which reduces blood flow to extremities including your hands.
As a result, you may experience tingling or numbness when you move your fingers or grip objects firmly. If this problem goes untreated, it might even lead to complete loss of sensation in your hands and feet.
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Good Cholesterol Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in all of your bodys cells. Your body uses cholesterol for various important jobs, such as manufacturing hormones and vitamin D and help you digest foods.
Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. You also get cholesterol from animal foods such as eggs, meat, and dairy products.
There are several kinds of cholesterol. The bad types include low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein , which carries triglycerides. These are referred to as bad because they lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
Another type of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein is considered good because it helps remove cholesterol from your body.
Good Cholesterol Vs Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in all of your bodys cells. Your body uses cholesterol for various important jobs, such as manufacturing hormones and vitamin D and help you digest foods.
Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. You also get cholesterol from animal foods such as eggs, meat, and dairy products.
There are several kinds of cholesterol. The bad types include low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein , which carries triglycerides.
These are referred to as bad because they lead to the build-up of plaque in your arteries.
Another type of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein is considered good because it helps remove cholesterol from your body.
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/16cholesterol Is Not Always Bad
As opposed to popular belief, not all cholesterol is bad for your body.
There are two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout the body. These include: LDL and HDL .
LDL is also known as “bad” cholesterol, while HDL is considered “good”. This is because HDL absorbs cholesterol and carries cholesterol to your liver, where it can be removed from the bloodstream before it forms as plaque in the artery walls.
If you’re looking to increase your HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels in the body, you must indulg in regular exercise, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.
Eating nutritious foods, usually healthy cooking oil and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables can help tremendously.
The Missing Link In The Cause Of Arthritis: Cholesterol
Weve all heard that high cholesterol is bad for your heart, but could it be bad for your joints too?
In a world-first study, a research team at The Prince Charles Hospital have discovered a link between high cholesterol levels and joint damage . Until now weve only been aware of certain risk factors for the osteoarthritis, such as age, obesity, injury and overuse, but there was no insight into what was physically happening in our joints to cause them to break down.
This lead to the work Professor Ross Crawford, Professor Yin Xiao, Dr Indira Prasadam and their research team who now believe that metabolic factors in a person could be a contributing factor in osteoarthritis. Through thorough testing of the effects of cholesterol on mice with osteoarthritis, the research team found that cholesterol was responsible for cartilage break down, the main culprit in osteoarthritis.
Testing showed that cholesterol placed oxidative stress on cartilage cells basically, it was suffocating these cells and causing them to die. Over time, as cartilage cells cant repair themselves, this resulted in joint damage.
And while this research has led to the important discovery of contributing factors in osteoarthritis the team also believe it may have found a preventative antioxidants!
The team have already begun working alongside dieticians to educate the public about healthy eating and how to keep cholesterol levels at a manageable level that wont damage joints.
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