Hypercholesterolaemia is characterised by the presence of high levels of blood cholesterol. It is not considered a disease but a metabolic imbalance that contributes to the development of many cardiovascular diseases.
Risk factors. Poor eating habits, diets rich in saturated fats. There are congenital forms of Hypercholesterolaemia. Other diseases such as hypothyroidism or situations that cause obesity increase cholesterol levels.
Prevention. Balanced diet rich in grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits. Reduce excess weight and fat intake. Physical exercise.
It is recommended that you know your level of cholesterol. A simple blood test is sufficient.
Treatment. Dietary treatment and increased physical activity. Drugs are reserved for patients with established arterial disease or those who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious diseases.
Hypercholesterolaemia is the presence of high levels of blood cholesterol. It is not considered a disease but a metabolic imbalance that can contribute to many diseases, especially cardiovascular.
Cholesterol is part of cell membranes and is essential in the formation of some hormones. This lipid is twofold: it can come from within the body (endogenous cholesterol; it is mainly created in the liver) or outside (exogenous cholesterol; through some foods like meat, whole milk, eggs, butter, and seafood).
High cholesterol can damage arteries, forming deposits of fat in them (called atheromas or plaques) gradually narrowing them and blocking blood flow (atherosclerosis). This hardening of the arteries can lead to angina, a heart attack or embolism (or stroke).
Heart disease is a major health problem worldwide. 80% of people who have suffered a heart attack had high cholesterol, a risk factor for developing heart disease. If your cholesterol is high, you have a high risk of such diseases.
The possibility of having a heart attack is multiplied when the high cholesterol is coupled with other risk factors such as overweight and obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and high blood sugar levels.
Risk factors. Obesity, poor diet, stress, pregnancy, etc.
Prevention. Balanced diet rich in grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits. Reduce excess weight and fat intake. Physical exercise.
It is recommended that you know your level of cholesterol. A simple blood test is sufficient.
If your cholesterol/triglycerides levels are high, it is essential to maintain a diet based on foods low in saturated fat. In addition, this diet should include foods that help keep fat under control. This should include:
- Low in calories if overweight.
- Low in saturated fats.
- Balanced protein content.
- Reduced prepared products made from carbohydrates.
- High in fibre content.
- Abstain from consuming alcohol.
A diet plan for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia must be accompanied by:
- Regular aerobic physical activity.
- Quitting smoking.
- Not drinking alcohol.
- Medicine, in the case that it has been prescribed by your doctor.
Drugs are reserved for patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious diseases.
For more information visit:
Symptoms, Diagnosis & Monitoring of High Cholesterol
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighCholesterol/Symptoms-Diagnosis-and-Monitoring-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001214_Article.jsp
High Cholesterol Risk Factors
http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/risk_factors.htm
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