How to lower your cholesterol ?
Cholesterol is a type of fat essential for the body's building and repair of cells and hormones. It is produced by the liver and some foods, and is divided into two main types: LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). High cholesterol is common among Australians, with 1 in 3 adults having high cholesterol. Over time, excessive LDL cholesterol leads to plaque formation in artery walls, causing narrowing and hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
To detect high cholesterol, many Australians don't know they have it, as there are no symptoms. High cholesterol can only be detected through a blood test. Some people have a condition called familial hyper cholesterolaemia, where a genetic problem leads to high cholesterol. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease at a young age, consult your doctor about your risk.
Cholesterol is measured using a lipid profile test, which measures total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. It is usually asked to fast and drink water for about 10 hours before the test. Adults should have their blood lipids measured every 5 years, starting at 45 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should start lipid blood tests at 35, as heart and blood vessel disease, such as heart attacks and stroke, occur 10 to 20 years earlier in Indigenous people.
High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease). Excess LDL cholesterol leads to fatty deposits called plaque forming in artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis, which can lead to angina, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. To manage high cholesterol, lifestyle changes and medication can help lower cholesterol levels.
To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, some people may need cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins. Your doctor will consider all risk factors, including cholesterol and lipid results. Statins work by slowing the production of cholesterol in the liver, causing the liver to use existing cholesterol to compensate for the deficit, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. If statins alone aren't enough, additional medications may be needed.
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