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Understanding high cholesterol – Its symptoms and associated risk factors

Health
Understanding high cholesterol – Its symptoms and associated risk factors

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It builds healthy cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Since it cannot dissolve in water, it does not travel through the bloodstream. It is carried by lipoproteins, which are low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or good cholesterol). High amounts of LDL or low amounts of HDL can lead to fatty buildup in the blood vessels.

High cholesterol
To find out one’s cholesterol levels, a lipid profile may be required. Here’s what the results mean:

  • Total cholesterol in adults
    These are the parameters to check one’s total cholesterol:

    • Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL
    • Borderline: 200 to 239 mg/dL
    • High: 240 mg/dL or above
  • LDL cholesterol in adults
    These are the parameters to check one’s LDL cholesterol:

    • Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
    • Near-optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL
    • Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL
    • High: 160 to 189 mg/dL
    • Very high: 190 mg/dL or above
  • HDL cholesterol in adults
    These are the parameters to check one’s HDL cholesterol:

    • Optimal: 60 mg/dL or higher
    • Borderline: 40 to 59 mg/dL among men and 50 to 50 mg/dL among women
    • Low: Under 40 mg/dL among men and under 50 mg/dL among women

Medicare insurance covers routine blood checkups for high cholesterol once every five years. Medicare Part B covers all blood work required to monitor cholesterol levels for those living with diagnosed high cholesterol. Additionally, Medicare Part B also covers one cardiovascular disease risk reduction visit each year. Medicare Part D may require prescription coverage for a high cholesterol management plan.

Early signs and symptoms of high cholesterol
Typically, people with high cholesterol do not exhibit any symptoms. The only way to detect cholesterol levels is via a blood test. However, when left untreated, it could lead to life-threatening conditions such as a stroke or a heart attack. If that occurs, symptoms could include nausea, numbness, slurred speech, extreme fatigue, chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, numbness or coldness in extremities, and high blood pressure.

Risk factors associated with high cholesterol
Although there are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol, several factors may increase one’s risk of developing this condition. Some of these include the following:

  • Lack of exercise: Exercise can help boost good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and improve cardiovascular health.
  • Poor eating habits: Constantly eating foods high in saturated and trans fats can lead to high cholesterol and related conditions.
  • Type-2 diabetes: This condition can negatively affect the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and increase bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Family history: People with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) live with very high LDL levels from a very young age. When left untreated, it can also increase one’s risk of other conditions. Those with a family history of early heart attacks must speak to their doctor and get tested for FH.
  • Age: The risk of high cholesterol increases with age, as the liver cannot clear out LDLs as effectively. Although this condition can occur at any age, people over 40 are at a higher risk of developing high cholesterol.
  • Sex: Until menopause, women tend to have lower LDL levels (bad cholesterol) than men. On the other hand, men have higher HDL levels (good cholesterol) at all ages.

Effects of high cholesterol levels
When left untreated, high cholesterol levels can lead to fat deposition in the arteries, potentially clogging them. This process is known as atherosclerosis and can lead to severe conditions such as the following:

  • Coronary artery disease: When cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, it is known as coronary artery disease. Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, cold sweat, pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders, and shortness of breath.
  • Peripheral artery disease: Peripheral artery disease is caused by narrowing and plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include aches, pains, or cramps in the buttocks, hips, thighs, or calves; muscle atrophy; hair loss; sores and ulcers that don’t heal; and cold or numb toes.
  • Carotid artery disease: Carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. The deposition of plaque in these arteries leads to carotid artery disease. Symptoms include blurred vision or vision loss, confusion, memory loss, numbness or weakness in some parts of the body, and problems with thinking, memory, reasoning, and speech.

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Health

4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
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Health

6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
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Pets

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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