High Cholesterolemia Dubai

(HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL)

High Cholesterolemia Dubai or high blood cholesterol is condition when cholesterol is measured higher than a reference range. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two types of fat (lipids) that are necessary for life.

Cholesterol is important for building cell membranes and for making several essential hormones and triglycerides provide much of the energy needed for cells to function.Cholesterol and triglycerides are made by the body and obtained from the diet, particularly from animal products and saturated fat. These dietary fats (lipids) travel through the blood to the liver where they are processed.

During times when dietary fats (lipids) are not available, the liver produces cholesterol and triglycerides, then packages them along with special proteins into tiny spheres called lipoproteins. The lipoproteins are released into the circulation and are subsequently delivered to the cells of the body. The cells will remove the needed cholesterol and triglycerides from the lipoproteins, as they are needed. Elevated triglycerides may be a consequence of other diseases, such as untreated diabetes mellitus. When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, the excess cholesterol builds up on the walls of major arteries leading to the heart. This buildup is referred to as ‘atherosclerosis’,‘arteriosclerosis’, or ‘hardening of the arteries’. High Cholesterolemia Dubai narrows the arteries and can slow down or block blood flow to the heart and other arteries. With less blood, the heart gets less oxygen, and the reduced amount of oxygen to the heart can cause chest pain known as ‘angina’, as well as heart attack (myocardial infarction), and even death. Cholesterol buildup is the most common cause of heart disease, and because it happens so slowly, most people are not even aware of it.

High Cholesterolemia Dubai – The effects of atherosclerosis can also be seen in the arteries to the brain and legs. Problems in the legs include claudication, or pain in the calves when you walk, while in the arteries to the brain, strokes and dementia can occur. The major risks for developing atherosclerosis are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Dr Barbara Karin Vela is an International Member of Royal College Of General Practitioners, UK

 

Hypercholesterolemia or high blood cholesterol is condition when cholesterol is measured higher than a reference range. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two types of fat (lipids) that are necessary for life.

Cholesterol is important for building cell membranes and for making several essential hormones and triglycerides provide much of the energy needed for cells to function.Cholesterol and triglycerides are made by the body and obtained from the diet, particularly from animal products and saturated fat. These dietary fats (lipids) travel through the blood to the liver where they are processed.

During times when dietary fats (lipids) are not available, the liver produces cholesterol and triglycerides, then packages them along with special proteins into tiny spheres called lipoproteins. The lipoproteins are released into the circulation and are subsequently delivered to the cells of the body. The cells will remove the needed cholesterol and triglycerides from the lipoproteins, as they are needed. Elevated triglycerides may be a consequence of other diseases, such as untreated diabetes mellitus. When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, the excess cholesterol builds up on the walls of major arteries leading to the heart. This buildup is referred to as ‘atherosclerosis’,‘arteriosclerosis’, or ‘hardening of the arteries’. High Cholesterolemia Dubai narrows the arteries and can slow down or block blood flow to the heart and other arteries. With less blood, the heart gets less oxygen, and the reduced amount of oxygen to the heart can cause chest pain known as ‘angina’, as well as heart attack (myocardial infarction), and even death. Cholesterol buildup is the most common cause of heart disease, and because it happens so slowly, most people are not even aware of it.

The effects of atherosclerosis can also be seen in the arteries to the brain and legs. Problems in the legs include claudication, or pain in the calves when you walk, while in the arteries to the brain, strokes and dementia can occur. The major risks for developing atherosclerosis are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid. It’s a waxy, fat-like substance that your liver produces naturally. It’s vital for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D.

Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, so it can’t travel through your blood on its own. To help transport cholesterol, your liver produces lipoproteins.

Lipoproteins are particles made from fat and protein. They carry cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of lipid, through your bloodstream. The two major forms of lipoprotein are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL cholesterol is any cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins. If your blood contains too much LDL cholesterol, you may be diagnosed with high cholesterol. Without treatment, high cholesterol may lead to many health issues, including heart attack and stroke.

High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms in the beginning. That’s why it’s important to get your cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL SYMPTOMS

In most cases, high cholesterol is a “silent” condition. It typically doesn’t cause any symptoms. Many people don’t even realize they have high cholesterol until they develop serious complications, such as a heart attack or stroke.

That’s why routine cholesterol screening is important. If you’re 20 years or older, ask your doctor if you should have routine cholesterol screening. Learn how this screening could potentially save your life.

CAUSES OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Eating too many foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats may increase your risk of developing high cholesterol. Living with obesity can also increase your risk. Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to high cholesterol include inactivity and smoking.

Your genetics can also affect your chances of developing high cholesterol. Genes are passed down from parents to children. Certain genes instruct your body on how to process cholesterol and fats. If your parents have high cholesterol, you may be at a greater risk of having it too.

In rare cases, high cholesterol is caused by familial hypercholesterolemia. This genetic disorder prevents your body from removing LDL. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, most adults with this condition have total cholesterol levels above 300 milligrams per deciliter and LDL levels above 200 milligrams per deciliter.

Other health conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, may also increase your risk of developing high cholesterol and related complications.

LDL CHOLESTEROL, OR “BAD CHOLESTEROL”

LDL cholesterol is often called “bad cholesterol.” It carries cholesterol to your arteries. If your levels of LDL cholesterol are too high, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. High Cholesterolemia Dubai

This buildup is also known as cholesterol plaque. This plaque can narrow your arteries, limit your blood flow, and raise your risk of blood clots. If a blood clot blocks an artery in your heart or brain, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

HDL CHOLESTEROL, OR “GOOD CHOLESTEROL”

HDL cholesterol is sometimes called “good cholesterol.” It helps return LDL cholesterol to your liver to be removed from your body. This helps prevent cholesterol plaque from building up in your arteries.

When you have healthy levels of HDL cholesterol, it can help lower your risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.

TRIGLYCERIDES, A DIFFERENT TYPE OF LIPID

Triglycerides are another type of lipid. They’re different from cholesterol. While your body uses cholesterol to build cells and certain hormones, it uses triglycerides as a source of energy.

When you eat more calories than your body can use right away, it converts those calories into triglycerides. It stores triglycerides in your fat cells. It also uses lipoproteins to circulate triglycerides through your bloodstream.

If you regularly eat more calories than your body can use, your triglyceride levels may become too high. This can raise your risk of several health problems, including heart disease and stroke. High Cholesterolemia Dubai

Your doctor can use a simple blood test to measure your triglyceride level, as well as your cholesterol levels.

 

GETTING YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS CHECKED

If you’re 20 years or older, Dr Barbara Karin Vela recommends getting your cholesterol levels checked at least once every 4 to 6 years. If you have a history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, your doctor may encourage you to get your cholesterol levels tested more often.

Dr Barbara Karin Vela can use a lipid panel to measure your total cholesterol level, as well your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Your total cholesterol level is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. It includes LDL and HDL cholesterol.

If your levels of total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol are too high, your doctor may diagnose you with high cholesterol. High cholesterol can be dangerous when your LDL levels are too high and your HDL levels are too low.

 

RISK FACTORS FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL

You may be at a higher risk of developing high cholesterol if you:

  • Are living with obesity.
  • Consume a lot of saturated and trans fats, like those found in fast food.
  • Have limited physical activity.
  • Smoke tobacco products.
  • Have a family history of high cholesterol.
  • Have diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism.

People of all ages, genders, and ethnicities can have high cholesterol.

COMPLICATIONS OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Without treatment, high cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in your arteries. Over time, this plaque can narrow your arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a serious condition. It can limit the flow of blood through your arteries. It also raises your risk of developing dangerous blood clots. High Cholesterolemia Dubai

Atherosclerosis can result in many life threatening complications, such as:

  • Stroke.
  • Heart attack.
  • Angina, or chest pain.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Peripheral vascular disease.
  • Chronic kidney disease.

High cholesterol can also create a bile imbalance, raising your risk of gallstones.

LOWERING CHOLESTEROL THROUGH DIET

To help you achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, Dr Barbara Karin Vela may recommend changes to your diet.

For example, she may advise you to:

  • Limit your intake of foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats.
  • Choose lean sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, and legumes.
  • Eat a wide variety of high fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Opt for baked, broiled, steamed, grilled, and roasted foods instead of fried foods.
  • Avoid fast food and sugary, pre-packaged options when possible

Foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, or trans fats include:

  • Red meat, organ meats, egg yolks, and high fat dairy products.
  • Processed foods made with cocoa butter or palm oil.
  • Deep-fried foods, such as potato chips, onion rings, and fried chicken.
  • Certain baked goods, such as some cookies and muffins

Eating fish and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower your LDL levels. For example, salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich sources of omega-3s. Walnuts, almonds, ground flaxseeds, and avocados also contain omega-3s. High Cholesterolemia Dubai

High Cholesterolemia Dubai – CHOLESTEROL MEDICATIONS

In some cases, Dr Barbara Karin Vela might prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol levels. Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for high cholesterol. They block your liver from producing more cholesterol.

Examples of statins include:

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Fluvastatin (Lescol)
  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
  • May also prescribe other medications for high cholesterol, such as:
  • Niacin
  • Bile acid resins or sequestrants, such as colesevalam (Welchol), colestipol (Colestid), or cholestyramine (Prevalite)
  • Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe (Zetia)
  • PCSK9 inhibitors, such as alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha)

Some products contain a combination of drugs to help decrease your body’s absorption of cholesterol from foods and reduce your liver’s production of cholesterol. One example is a combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin). Learn more about the drugs used to treat high cholesterol.

High Cholesterolemia Dubai -FINAL NOTE

In most cases, high cholesterol has no symptoms. But without treatment, high cholesterol can cause serious health issues. The good news is that Dr Barbara Karin Vela can help you manage this condition, and in many cases, can help you avoid complications.

To learn if you have high cholesterol, ask your doctor to test your cholesterol levels, especially if you’re 20 years or older. If they diagnose you with high cholesterol, ask her about your treatment options.

To lower your risk of complications from high cholesterol, practice healthy lifestyle habits and follow Dr Barbara Karin Vela’s recommended treatment plan.

Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco products may help you achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It could also help lower your risk of complications from high cholesterol.