Cholesterol and its consequences: How to lower bad cholesterol, reduce risk of stroke and heart attack

Diabetes can make cholesterol levels worse. It lowers the good cholesterol (HDL) and raises the bad cholesterol (LDL), which increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems (Image: Canva)

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. It is needed by your body to build healthy cells, but too much cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol (HDL), which helps remove harmful cholesterol from the blood, and bad cholesterol (LDL), which can build up and form plaques in your arteries, causing health issues.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the risk factors for high cholesterol include poor diet and obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, and genetic predisposition. These factors can lead to the buildup of bad cholesterol in the arteries, increasing the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

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Cardiovascular disease: High cholesterol can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow. Over time, this can cause heart attacks or strokes, often without any warning signs. A person with high cholesterol might experience a heart attack if the blood flow to the heart is blocked by plaque.

Stroke: When cholesterol blocks blood flow to the brain, it can cause a stroke. Strokes can happen suddenly and can result in long-term disabilities or even death. A person may suddenly experience weakness or numbness on one side of their body, a common sign of a stroke caused by blocked arteries.

Diabetes: Diabetes can make cholesterol levels worse. It lowers the good cholesterol (HDL) and raises the bad cholesterol (LDL), which increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems. A person with diabetes might struggle to control their cholesterol levels, putting them at a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

Artery disease: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens when cholesterol causes the arteries in your limbs to narrow, reducing blood flow. This can lead to pain, infections, or even the loss of limbs if not treated. A person with PAD might experience leg pain when walking because the narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to their legs.

High blood pressure: Cholesterol and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Together, they put extra pressure on the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and damage to organs.

A person with both high blood pressure and high cholesterol might be at an increased risk of developing heart disease.

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Tips to control cholesterol:

Take control of your health by lowering your cholesterol with simple steps. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help manage your cholesterol levels. Stay active with regular exercise to boost good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can worsen your cholesterol levels. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you track and manage your cholesterol.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.