Hypercholesterolemia is the elevated level of cholesterol in blood beyond normal values. It is not a disease but a metabolic derangement that can be secondary to many diseases and can contribute too many forms of disease, most notably cardiovascular disease.
Due to high blood cholesterol levels there may be deposits of fats on the inner walls of the arteries. This may lead to obstruction of blood flow in the arteries resulting in lack of supply of necessary oxygen rich blood in optimum amount.
Lack of physical activity, obesity and unhealthy diet are the causes for high cholesterol which can be controlled. The factor behind high cholesterol which is beyond the control is the genetic problem. It is the inability to remove the LDL cholesterol from blood efficiently or production of too much cholesterol by liver.
The risk factors for high cholesterol are lack of exercise, improper diet, being obese, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and family history of heart disease.
Certain medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, kidney disease and hypothyroidism also influence blood cholesterol levels.
There are no symptoms of increased blood cholesterol levels. However, some types of hypercholesterolemia may lead to certain specific physical findings like yellowish patches around eyelids white discoloration of the peripheral cornea and patchy cholesterol deposits on the skin (xanthoma).
Blood test can detect elevated cholesterol level in blood. Blood test called as lipid profile can detect the exact amount of different types of cholesterols namely total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Controlled diet, regular physical exercise and medications can control the high blood cholesterol levels. Of these controlled diet and regular physical exercise are of prime importance and can take care of cholesterol levels in most of the patients. If the cholesterol levels remain high in spite of these lifestyle changes then medications are required. The medications belong to a class of drugs called statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, combination cholesterol absorption inhibitor and bile acid binding resins. Oyher medications to lower high triglyceride levels are fibrates, niacin and combination of niacin and statin.
Quitting smoking, reducing weight (if necessary), use of whole grains in diet, eating more fruits and vegetables and limited alcohol intake are some of the alternate ways to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol can be controlled well with lifestyle modifications and medications and the prognosis is excellent. In absence of these it can be fatal.
High blood cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis (deposition of cholesterol and other things on inner walls of the arteries). Blockage in the arteries carrying blood to brain can cause stroke due to inadequate blood supply to brain. Blockage in arteries to heart can cause heart attack.
If there are elevated blood cholesterol levels which do not come under control with life style modifications like diet changes and regular physical exercise then it is better to take physician’s advice for medications.
