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Background - Presence of abnormally high amount of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood is termed high cholesterol. Abnormally low levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol (good cholesterol) also refer to high cholesterol.
- Cholesterol, a waxy substance present in the bloodstream and body cells, helps to form cell membranes and produce some hormones. Triglycerides (TG) are fatty acids present in the fat cells.
- High cholesterol leads to the risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease. In addition, high level of triglycerides can also cause an inflammation of the pancreas.
Causes
High cholesterol is more common in men than in women. Some causes may include: - Heredity: passed down through families.
- Diet: intake of high fat diets.
- Medications: birth control pills, estrogen, diuretics, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers.
- Diseases: diabetes, kidney failure, and hypothyroidism.
- Lifestyle: inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol use.
Symptoms - High cholesterol itself does not have any symptoms, but leads to symptomatic vascular disease such as coronary artery disease.
- High triglycerides (TG) of over 1000 mg/deciliter can cause acute pancreatitis. Symptoms are eruptive xanthomas (fatty build up under the surface of the skin) over the trunk, back, elbows, buttocks, knees, hands, and feet.
- High levels of LDL can cause eyelid xanthelasmas (xanthoma), whitish discoloration of the iris, and lipid deposits in tendons.
Diagnosis
High cholesterol can be diagnosed only through measurement of serum lipids. Routine lipid profile measurements include total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, HDL and LDL. Tests for secondary causes of high cholesterol include measurement of: - fasting glucose
- urinary protein
- liver enzymes
- thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- creatinine
Conventional Treatment
Treatment for high cholesterol varies depending upon the age and health history of the patient. It also depends on risk factors for diabetes and heart diseases. Some treatments may include Lifestyle Changes - Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress factors
- Eating a healthy, low-fat diet which is high in fiber
- Getting regular health check ups and cholesterol screening.
- Weight reduction
Drug Therapy - Statins
- Bile acid binding agents
- Fibric acid derivatives
- Surgical interventions
Integrative, Complementary and Alternative Treatment - Beta-glucan: A fiber derived from the cell walls of algae, fungi, and other plants and used to lower cholesterol.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides.
- Red yeast rice: Lowers total cholesterol, decreases LDL, and raises HDL.
- Policosanol: It is derived from sugar cane. Raises HDL and lowers LDL levels.
- Vitamin B3: Vitamin B3 in the form of niacin is known to regulate cholesterol.
- Garlic extract therapy: Reduces LDL cholesterol in children.
- Acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, and acupressure may also be helpful.
- There is strong scientific evidence that beta-glucan, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, policosanol, psyllium, red yeast rice, and soy are effective treatments for high cholesterol.
- There is good scientific evidence that avocado, carob, cordyceps, gamma oryzanol, garlic, globe artichoke, grape seed, pantethine, sweet almond, and zinc are effective in lowering cholesterol.
Prevention
To prevent high cholesterol one must: - Include a diet which is low in saturated fat
- Stop smoking
- Reduce consumption of alcohol
- Maintain a healthy body weight or reduce weight if obese/overweight
- Get a lipid profile done regularly especially if there is family history of high cholesterol
References http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/wyntk.htm http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-cholesterol/DS00178 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cholesterol.html Copyright 2008, rVeda, Inc. |
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