Understanding Hypertension And High Cholesterol
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood pushing against artery walls as it is pumped through the body by the heart is too strong. High cholesterol is a condition in which there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Both conditions raise your risk for heart disease, both can exist without symptoms, and both can be managed with the same healthy lifestyle choices.
Can high blood pressure cause high cholesterol? No, but what hypertension can cause is a build-up of cholesterol along artery walls, which leads to hardened arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. High cholesterol levels can also lead to more dangerous plaque build-up. Both can be contributing factors of the same problem.
About Dr Josh Redd Chiropractic Physician Utah Arizona New Mexico Functional Medicine
Dr. Joshua J. Redd, DC, MS, DABFM, DAAIM, author of;The Truth About Low Thyroid: Stories of Hope and Healing for Those Suffering With Hashimotos Low Thyroid Disease, is a chiropractic physician and the founder of;RedRiver Health and Wellness Center;with practices in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. He sees patients from around the world who suffer from challenging thyroid disorders, Hashimotos disease, and other autoimmune conditions. In addition to his chiropractic degree, Dr. Redd has a BS in Health and Wellness, a BS in Anatomy, and a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine.; He speaks across the nation, teaching physicians about functional blood chemistry, low thyroid, Hashimotos, and autoimmunity. You can join his Facebook page;here.
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What Is Dangerously High Cholesterol
You may be diagnosed with borderline-high or high cholesterol if your blood test results show:
- Total cholesterol higher than 200 milligrams per deciliter
- LDL cholesterol higher than 100 mg/dL
- Triglycerides over 150 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol lower than 40 mg/dL
But what do these numbers really mean for your health?
While having high cholesterol isnt something youll notice day to day, it does mean youre at risk for or may already have heart disease, the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States.
Want to know more? Here are answers to 11 frequently asked questions about high cholesterol.
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What Are The Types Of Cholesterol
Cholesterol in the blood doesn’t move through the body on its own. It combines with proteins to travel through the bloodstream. Cholesterol and protein traveling together are called lipoproteins;.
Low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein are the lipoproteines that most of us have heard about.
Low-density lipoproteins, or “bad cholesterol,” can build up on the walls of the arteries. Cholesterol and other substances in the blood form plaque;. Plaque buildup can make blood vessels become stiffer, narrower, or blocked. Plaque makes it easier for blood clots to form. A blood clot can block a narrowed artery and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis , or hardening of the arteries, also leads to decreased blood flow to vital organs, including the brain, intestines, and kidneys.
High-density lipoproteins, or “good cholesterol,” carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver. In the liver, cholesterol is broken down and removed from the body.
High levels of LDL and low levels of HDL increase a person’s risk of heart disease.;
How To Lower Your Risk
Young or old, you can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels with education and lifestyle changes. First, know your numbers. If youre concerned you may be at a higher risk, talk to your doctor about having your cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked.
To lower your cholesterol, eat a healthy diet low in saturated fats, lose weight if youre overweight, and participate in regular physical activity . You also should cut out unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and eating poorly. Keeping your blood pressure in a normal range also may involve taking medicine, reducing the amount of sodium in your diet, and getting plenty of exercise.
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Natural Remedies And Lowering Cholesterol
Its very important to talk to your health professional before using any:
- supplements
- natural remedies
- or complementary therapies.
Sometimes they can do more harm than good. They may interact with any medication that youre taking, which can be dangerous. They can also make your medication less effective. Your doctor needs to know everything that you are taking to ensure that the combination is safe.
If youve been prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication, make sure you take it as directed by your doctor. This is one of the most effective ways to keep your cholesterol levels down.
What Are The Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol typically doesnt cause any symptoms. In most cases it only causes emergency events. For instance, a heart attack or stroke can result from the damage caused by high cholesterol.
These events typically dont occur until high cholesterol leads to the formation of plaque in your arteries. Plaque can narrow arteries so less blood can pass through. The formation of plaque changes the makeup of your arterial lining. This could lead to serious complications.
A blood test is the only way to know if your cholesterol is too high. This means having a total blood cholesterol level above 240 milligrams per deciliter . Ask your doctor to give you a cholesterol test after you turn 20 years old. Then get your cholesterol rechecked every 4 to 6 years.
Your doctor may also suggest you have your cholesterol checked more frequently if you have a family history of high cholesterol. Or if you demonstrate the following risk factors:
- have high blood pressure
- smoke
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What Is The Difference Between Good Cholesterol And Bad Cholesterol
Good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein . It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein is the bad cholesterol.
If your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, youre probably not at higher risk.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body can use, it turns the extra calories into triglycerides.
Changing your lifestyle can improve your cholesterol levels, lower LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL.
Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease.
- Total cholesterol level; less than 200 is best, but it depends on your HDL and LDL levels.
- LDL cholesterol levels; less than 130 is best, but this depends on your risk for heart disease.
- HDL cholesterol levels; 60 or higher reduces your risk for heart disease.
- Triglycerides; less than 150 milligrams per deciliter is best.
High Cholesterol And High Blood Pressure: What’s The Link
Long story short: high cholesterol can be a cause of;high blood pressure. However, explaining the link between the two can help you understand exactly what changes can;be made in order to prevent having either of them.
People who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol have most likely begun to make the lifestyle changes required to keep it under control, which may or may not include;a medical treatment as well. However, this means that you should always keep an eye on your blood pressure levels.
The simplest definition of high blood pressure is the;force that your blood exerts against the walls of the vessels. If this force is constantly high, that means you have hypertension, or high blood pressure as it is most commonly referred to.
So, here is how these two medical problems are connected. When you have high cholesterol levels, you have a lot of bad cholesterol traveling through the bloodstream. This cholesterol can sometimes get attached to the walls of your arteries, causing them to become narrow and stiff.
In time, this entire process can lead to lump formation on the inner lining of the arteries. Even if it doesnt, there is still the problem of narrow arteries. As this happens, your blood circulation is restricted, meaning that the same amount of blood that your organs need to stay healthy will have to find its way through a narrower path.
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If Lifestyle Changes Dont Help
The AHA says changing lifestyle habits is a good first step. But if eating a healthier diet, losing weight, being more physically active, and quitting smoking don’t improve your cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe medications that can.
As for your healthy blood pressure numbers, you doctor likely will continue to monitor them because, according to the National Institute on Aging, the chance of developing high blood pressure increase with age.
Heart Disease High Blood Pressure And High Cholesterol
Erectile dysfunction actually has an interesting relationship with a mans heart health. Its been known for a while that things like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause ED. However, recent research has actually shown that when healthy men develop erectile dysfunction, many of them end up being diagnosed with heart disease less than 5 years later. So, if you are experiencing ED and have had no other health issues, you may want your doctor to take a look at your heart. You might be able to prevent the development of heart disease by catching the warning signs early.
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Can High Cholesterol Be Prevented Or Avoided
Making healthy food choices and exercising are two ways to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol.
Eat fewer foods with saturated fats . Choose healthier fats. This includes lean meats, avocados, nuts, and low-fat dairy items. Avoid foods that contain trans fat . Look for foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include salmon, herring, walnuts, and almonds. Some egg brands contain omega-3.
Exercise can be simple. Go for a walk. Take a yoga class. Ride your bike to work. You could even participate in a team sport. Aim to get 30 minutes of activity every day.
High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Early In Life Tied To Heart Problems Later
4 Min Read
– People with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol before age 40 are more likely to have a heart attack later in life than other adults, a new analysis suggests.
The analysis pooled data from six studies involving a total of 36,030 people. Starting when participants were 53 years old on average, researchers tracked them to see who had heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure.
The upper limit of normal blood pressure is 120/80. Younger adults who had high systolic blood pressure – the top number – were 37% more likely to develop heart failure later in life. And young adults who had elevated diastolic blood pressure – the bottom number – were 21% more likely to develop heart failure later on.
Many young adults feel OK, or theyre willing to think–Im OK now, I will make healthful choices later when Im older, said Dr. Andrew Moran, senior author of the study and a researcher at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
This study shows that healthy choices matter even in young adults, Moran said by email. This means not smoking, eating a healthful diet, and exercising regularly.
And for some high risk young adults, starting medication to manage risk factors at a younger age – something that currently isnt done as a matter of course – may be worthwhile, Moran added.
During follow-up, 4,570 participants had events like heart attacks, 5,119 had heart failure events, and 2,862 had strokes.
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What Causes High Cholesterol If I Eat Healthy Can It Be Genetic
If you eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise but still have high cholesterol, your DNA may be a bigger factor than your lifestyle. About 1 in 250 people in the United States live with familial hypercholesterolemia , a life-threatening inherited disorder that causes high cholesterol.
Unfortunately, 90 percent of people who have it dont know it, according to the FH Foundation, a national nonprofit organization based in Pasadena, California. Screening for high cholesterol is the only way to identify people who have FH. Because of this, all children should have a cholesterol screening once between ages 9 and 11, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.
If your LDL is above 100, its already considered high. If its higher than 190, you may have FH, according to leading heart groups, such as the AHA, the American College of Cardiology, and the National Lipid Association. If a parent has FH, their child has a chance of having it, too. Finding out if you have FH and getting treated if you do is vital, because having FH means your risk of heart disease is 20 times higher than that of people who dont have inherited high cholesterol, according to the FH Foundation.
How Can I Lower My Cholesterol Naturally
For many people, revamping everyday habits can go a long way toward lowering cholesterol without medication. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made, and they fall under the categories of diet and exercise, says Dr. Khandwalla.
Eating heart-healthy foods is a great place to start. This means reducing your intake of red meat and full-fat dairy products, both of which contain saturated fats that raise cholesterol. Instead, focus on eating lean proteins chicken, turkey, seafood and adding more soluble fiber to your diet from fruits, vegetables, and oatmeal, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute . Getting aerobic exercise most days of the week can also help lower cholesterol.
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It Can Result From Diabetes And Diabetes Causes Nerve Damage
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the bloodhigh levels of which can make it difficult for blood to flow freely through arteries in the body. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein , which is often referred to as good cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein which is the type that can clog artery walls and put your health at risk.
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with type 2 diabetes have increased triglycerides, decreased HDL cholesterol, and higher LDL cholesterol.
Refined carbohydrates and sugar syrups have been shown to increase LDL and triglycerides and lower the favourable HDL cholesterol levels, says Tricia Pingel, N.M.D., a naturopathic physician in Phoenix, AZ. In addition, these high-sugar diets also induce further cardiovascular disease risk and impair insulin utilization .
Diabetes, meanwhile, can lead to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This is a common nerve issue that causes numbness and is often seen in the hands and feet, though it can affect other areas.
It Causes Plaque In The Arteries Restricting Blood Flow
Cholesterol has no symptoms, says Robert Greenfield, M.D., a triple board-certified cardiologist, lipidologist, and internist at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA.
As such, he says, high cholesterol alone cannot be the cause of your tingling. But the long-term consequences of high cholesterolwhich could contribute to arterial diseasemay result in these symptoms, he says.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, high cholesterol causes atherosclerosisa build-up in the walls of the arteries which causes them to narrow. Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, and peripheral artery disease, among other issuesall of which can in turn present in some form of tingling or numbness.
Dr. Greenfield explains that as the plaque grows, it can inevitably cause a clot to form, which blocks blood flow in the artery. If it’s in the leg arteries, it produces leg pain especially with walking , says Dr. Greenfield, who says smokers are often at higher risk of claudication. Intermittent claudication can result in numbness and weakness in the legs, according to Cleveland Clinic.
If the plaque is in a coronary artery, it can cause a heart attack, he says. And if it’s in a carotid artery or one of its branches going to the brain, it’s a stroke. In either case, it can result in sudden numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, according to Mayo Clinic.
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Can Raw Honey Help Cholesterol And Blood Pressure
Before changing any medication or health routine, please consult your physician.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. If too much cholesterol builds up in the blood, it can clog up the arteries and potentially lead to heart attacks and strokes.
High cholesterol is caused by eating a diet high in fatty foods, being overweight or obese, smoking, and not exercising enough. It can also be caused by having a genetic predisposition, or a family history, of high cholesterol. So it isn’t always a consequence of unhealthy living active people of a healthy weight can still have high cholesterol, and we all must know how to keep our cholesterol levels healthy.
But not all cholesterol is bad. When doctors talk of “high cholesterol,” they’re talking about a form of cholesterol called LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, often also referred to as bad cholesterol.
Good cholesterol, on the other hand , helps the body manage cholesterol levels by encouraging the liver to break down cholesterol and therefore reduce its overall level in the blood.
The aim for anyone is to have as low a total cholesterol level as possible and, within that, to have more HDL and less LDL.
How Can Honey Help?
Science is emerging that suggests that eating high quality, active healing honey helps to lower bad LDL cholesterol and therefore also lowers total cholesterol, but can also increase levels of good HDL cholesterol.
The Natural, Alternative Sweetener Effect
Helping Maintain Blood Pressure