Understanding Cholesterol Risks and Symptoms

The first step to battling cholesterol is understanding it. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is produced within the body, or consumed in the foods that we eat. Cholesterol can be both good and bad, depending on how much of what type you have within your body. Three types of lipids (fats) are considered in determining a person's cholesterol level: LDL, HDL and Triglycerides. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the "bad" cholesterol, and it should be low. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the "good" cholesterol, and it should be high. Triglycerides are necessary to maintain healthy energy levels, but an excess of triglycerides can lead to absorption as fat and, when combined with high LDL, can lead to serious health risks, including heart disease.

The standard recommendation is to have your cholesterol checked every five years, but it's advisable to do so more frequently if you are at risk for high cholesterol. Are you at risk? The following are common factors to determine your cholesterol risk: heredity, diet, activity level, stress, age, gender and weight. Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not. Let's explore these risk factors, one by one.

• Your genetics can dictate your LDL levels. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, you may be at risk for specific, inherited cholesterol problems stemming from LDL imbalances.
• Maintaining a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol causes a harmful increase in LDL levels as well. Some foods to avoid when watching your intake include: animal/dairy products, cookies and chips.
• Regular physical activity and exercise helps to lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL.
• Stress is a known factor in a wide variety of ailments, and cholesterol is one of them. Stress effects us physically and emotionally, and also leads to poor habits and necessary rest cycles.
• As we age, our cholesterol levels raise. Men will find themselves at greater risk once their level steadies around age 50. Women tend to catch up to men following menopause, when their LDL levels begin to rise.
• An overweight person runs a risk of having higher triglyceride and LDL levels, as well as dangerously low HDL levels.

One of the most dangerous aspects of cholesterol is its lack of outward symptoms. However, it is also very easily detected through simple, routine testing. The only regularly noted physical symptom of a possible cholesterol imbalance is the formation of small, yellowish, bumpy, fatty deposits on the skin (similiar in appearance to acne). Still, it is important to remember that this symptom is not always present, and is not a certain indicator of cholesterol problems.

Over time, if left untreated, high cholesterol can also result in more severe, or even fatal health concerns. While these are not really "symptoms" so to speak, for those who neglect to keep their levels checked, it may be the first indicator of a problem. Such ailments include heart disease, peripheral artery disease and stroke.

High cholesterol is diagnosed through a standard blood test that examines the levels of fats within your blood. A thorough lipoprotein analysis will reveal the levels of total cholesterol through a combination of HDL, LDL and triglyceride measurements. However, this test it typically a secondary examination following a simple cholesterol test. As a rule of thumb, your total cholesterol level should ideally be under 200; anything over 240 is considered high. Typical treatment for high cholesterol may include a prescribed diet and exercise routine as well as medication.