What is Cholesterol? What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

Cholesterol, found naturally in the body, is a substance necessary for the healthy functioning of cells. This substance, produced by the liver, plays an important role in the production of hormones, vitamin D and digestive enzymes. Although the body can produce the amount of cholesterol it needs, health problems may occur when the amount of cholesterol taken from the diet increases. In particular, increasing the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) threatens cardiovascular health by creating deposits on the vascular walls. This buildup can cause arteries to narrow and restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of heart disease. For a healthy life, it is of great importance to keep cholesterol levels under control and monitor them with regular check-ups.

What is Cholesterol?

It is a fat-like substance that occurs naturally in the human body and plays a role in the maintenance of cell structure, hormone production, vitamin D synthesis and the production of bile acids necessary for digestion. Cholesterol, one of the basic building blocks of the body, ensures the flexibility and integrity of cell membranes. Thus, it contributes to the healthy functioning of cells. Cholesterol is a vital molecule that provides some of the energy the body needs. However, too much can be dangerous, especially for vascular health.

This substance is both produced by the body itself and taken with foods of animal origin. Since cholesterol is a water-insoluble substance, it is carried in the bloodstream bound to proteins. Cholesterol-protein complexes formed as a result of this binding are called “lipoproteins”. These are examined in two main groups: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is commonly known as “bad cholesterol”. Because it can accumulate on the inner surface of blood vessels, forming plaques and narrowing the vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. In contrast, HDL is known as “good cholesterol.” It removes excess cholesterol from the vascular walls and carries it to the liver, allowing it to be removed from the body. HDL thus plays a protective role in cardiovascular health.

Keeping cholesterol levels under control is important for cardiovascular health. For a healthy life, it is recommended to regularly monitor cholesterol levels and support lifestyle changes such as healthy nutrition and regular exercise.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol usually does not cause any obvious symptoms. That’s why it is called the “silent enemy”. However, when cholesterol levels remain high for a long time or become too high, some symptoms may occur in the body. These symptoms are usually noticed when complications such as narrowing or blockage of the vessels occur. Symptoms related to high cholesterol may manifest themselves with problems affecting cardiovascular health. If not careful, it can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of high cholesterol are:

• Chest Pain: Cholesterol can build up in the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. This situation chest pain or may cause a pain known as angina.
• Leg Pain or Cramping: Pain or cramps in the legs, especially when walking or during physical activity, may indicate peripheral artery disease. This condition occurs when the veins in the legs narrow due to cholesterol accumulation.
• Fatigue and Shortness of breath: When there is not enough blood flow to the heart and other organs as a result of narrowing of the vessels, fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath may occur.
• Yellow Fat Deposits on the Skin (Xanthelasma): Xanthelasma, which can appear as yellowish fatty deposits around the eyes or other parts of the body, is one of the visible signs of high cholesterol on the skin.
• Dizziness and Vision Problems: High cholesterol levels can also affect blood flow to the brain. This can cause problems such as dizziness, drowsiness, and sometimes blurred vision.

What are the Types of Cholesterol?

This substance is classified according to its transport function as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). These types of cholesterol perform different functions in the body. Additionally, each of them has different effects on health. The main types of cholesterol can be listed as follows:

• Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – Bad Cholesterol: LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the tissues and vessels. When excess LDL accumulates in the blood, it accumulates on the vessel walls and forms plaques. This causes the veins to narrow and harden. High LDL levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is important to keep LDL low.
• High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – Good Cholesterol: HDL collects excess cholesterol accumulated in the veins and carries it back to the liver, allowing it to be removed from the body. HDL is called “good cholesterol” because it plays a role in cleansing the vessels. High HDL levels reduce the risk of heart disease by protecting cardiovascular health.
• Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL): VLDL carries fats known as triglycerides to tissues. VLDL may also be risky for vascular health. Because excess VLDL in the bloodstream can cause plaque accumulation on the vessel walls.

Why Do Cholesterol Values ​​Increase?

Genetics, lifestyle and some health conditions can lead to increased cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a condition that needs to be carefully controlled as it can cause narrowing of the vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The reasons that cause cholesterol levels to increase can be listed as follows:

• Diet Rich in Saturated and Trans Fats: Foods high in saturated fat and trans fat, such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, processed foods and fried foods, lead to increased LDL cholesterol levels in the body. These types of fats accelerate plaque accumulation on the vascular walls and threaten vascular health.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Not exercising regularly can cause HDL (good cholesterol) levels to drop and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels to rise. Lack of physical activity also increases fat accumulation in the body, causing triglyceride levels to rise.
• Overweight and Obesity: Excess weight can lower HDL levels while increasing LDL and triglyceride levels. Obesity is also associated with conditions such as insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which can make it difficult to control cholesterol levels.
• Genetic Factors: Having a family history of high cholesterol may cause genetically high cholesterol levels. This condition, known as familial hypercholesterolemia, makes it difficult to control a person’s cholesterol levels and often requires treatment at an early age.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can negatively affect cholesterol levels due to high blood sugar.
• Age and Gender: Cholesterol levels may naturally increase as we age. An increase in cholesterol levels may be observed, especially in men over the age of 45 and in women after menopause.

What Should the Cholesterol Values ​​Be?

When LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels are at ideal values, the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease is reduced. High or low cholesterol levels can cause health problems. For this reason, it is important to measure them regularly and keep them within a healthy range. The table below shows generally accepted ideal values ​​for cholesterol levels. These values ​​may vary depending on age, gender and individual health conditions. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor to determine personal goals:

How to Lower Cholesterol?

Making some adjustments to your eating habits makes a big difference. Avoiding foods high in saturated and trans fat helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Instead, it is healthier to choose foods containing healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, walnuts and almonds. In addition, foods high in fiber, especially oats, barley, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, reduce cholesterol absorption and contribute to lowering bad cholesterol levels. Physical activity also plays an important role in balancing cholesterol. Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, such as walking, swimming or cycling, helps lower bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels.