High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms, so it may be tempting to ignore.
Fortunately, diet, exercise, andmedicationshelp lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of these serious health problems.
Cholesterol is a sticky, waxy substance that circulates in the blood.
mapodile/Getty Images
Your body has a few different types of cholesterol.
Ruptured plaques may block blood flow in the coronary arteries causing a heart attack.
Cholesterol of 250: Is That High?
Normal adult cholesterol levels range from 125-200 mg/dL.
While these levels vary by age and gender, a level of 250 mg/dL is elevated for all adults.
The small LDL particles appear to increase a person’s cardiac risk more than the large particles.
Plaques
Atherosclerotic plaques can suddenly rupture, leading to blood clots and acute blockage of an artery.
This sudden blockage can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
This includesvascular dementia, which is triggered by small strokes.
And there is also a link with dementia caused byAlzheimer’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition.
Saturated fats are the main contributor to higher total cholesterol and to high levels of LDL.
It can be challenging to change years of eating habits.
Some people like to exercise at home, whereas others prefer a gym.
Some people exercise in the morning and some prefer to exercise later in the evening.
Sometimes these drugs may cause uncomfortableside effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or muscle cramps.
Mention any side effects you are experiencing to your doctor right away.
More recently the medications PCSK9i and bempedoic acid have also been shown to have improved cardiac outcomes.
2018;7:5. doi:10.1186/s40035-018-0110-3
Soliman GA.Dietary cholesterol and the lack of evidence in cardiovascular disease.Nutrients.
2018;97(30):e11304.10.1097/MD.0000000000011304
