How Cholesterol Affects Your Heart?

That's correct! Cholesterol is a vital substance in our bodies, but excessive levels or an imbalance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol can lead to health issues.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance (lipid) found in the bloodstream and cells.

Where does cholesterol come from?

Cholesterol is:

1. Produced in the liver: Our bodies naturally produce cholesterol, with the liver producing about 80% of it.
2. Obtained through diet: We also consume cholesterol through animal-based foods, such as meat, dairy, and eggs.

Cholesterol stabilizes the structure of cells and aids the production of some hormones and vitamin D. The problem comes in when we have too much cholesterol or an imbalance between our good cholesterol and bad cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol

High levels of cholesterol or an imbalance between:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - "bad" cholesterol: Excessive LDL can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - "good" cholesterol: HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Maintaining a healthy balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.

How does cholesterol affect the heart and the body?

When cholesterol builds up as plaque, the heart has to work harder to pump blood because the arteries narrow and stiffen. This can lead to angina or chest pain, as well as coronary artery disease. Blockages in blood flow to the heart also cause a heart attack.

Plaque in other parts of the body can also lead to problems. Stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is restricted. Blockages in the extremities can cause peripheral artery disease in the same way that blockages near the heart cause coronary artery disease. Cholesterol crystals can also accumulate and form gallstones.

What can be done to manage cholesterol?

Changes to Your Lifestyle:

1. Eat Healthy: Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes plant-based foods, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Exercise regularly: Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can raise cholesterol levels.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking can lower HDL (good) cholesterol and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol.
5. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise cholesterol levels.

Dietary changes:

1. Increase soluble fiber intake: Soluble fiber (found in oats, barley, fruits, and vegetables) can help lower LDL cholesterol.
2. Choose healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and fatty fish (like salmon) are rich in healthy fats.
3. Limit dietary cholesterol: Restrict or avoid foods high in cholesterol (like egg yolks, organ meats, and high-fat dairy products).
4. Select lean protein sources: Opt for lean proteins like poultry, fish, and plant-based options.

Medical Treatment (if necessary):

1. Statins: Medications that lower LDL cholesterol.
2. Bile acid sequestrants: Medications that remove bile acids, which can help lower LDL cholesterol.
3. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: Medications that reduce dietary cholesterol absorption.

Before making any significant changes to your lifestyle or medication regimen, consult your doctor first.

There are many simple ways to reduce your cholesterol and risk for diseases caused by high cholesterol. The goal is to lower LDL (bad cholesterol), and increasing HDL can help.

Summary

Trust your heart health with Dr. Rajiv Aggarwal Principal Director & Unit Head-Cardiology at Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. He is a former Associate Professor of Cardiology at AIIMS. A renowned cardiologist with extensive experience in managing cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular disease. Dr Aggarwal with 30+ years of experience in cardiology and a proven track record of improving patient outcomes offers personalized cholesterol management plans, cutting-edge treatment options, and lifestyle guidance for optimal heart health.