What is cholesterol? Type, normal range, Diagnosis and Treatment

Many people tend to ignore early health concerns, assuming everything is fine, until a routine lipid profile test shows their rising cholesterol levels.

What’s more concerning is that high cholesterol is no longer limited to older adults. It is increasingly being seen among younger people as well. But worrying about it is not enough. If you really want to take control of your cholesterol levels, it is important to understand what exactly it is, its causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how to manage it effectively.

Keep reading to understand it better!

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance produced by your liver and found in your blood. It travels through your bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins.

Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, produce hormones, and aid in digestion. But too much of anything is never good. If cholesterol becomes too high and creates an imbalance, it can start accumulating in your blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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What are the Types of Cholesterol?

Your body produces different types of cholesterol. They are as follows:

1. HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein):
   It is known as ‘good cholesterol’ because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, and transfers it to the liver to be flushed out from your body.
2. LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein):
   This is known as ‘bad cholesterol’ because it can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Maintaining its level is very important, otherwise, it can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, restricted blood flow, and other complications.
3. Triglycerides:
   Apart from good and bad cholesterol, triglycerides are also an important type of fat to monitor. High triglycerides also increase the risk of heart disease.

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If your report shows an imbalance in any of these types, you should speak with a doctor for the right guidance to bring them back to normal range.

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What is the Normal Cholesterol Range?

Types of Cholesterol	Normal/ Desirable Level
Total Cholesterol	Less than 150mg/dL
LDL (Bad Cholesterol)	Less than 100 mg/dL (optimal)
HDL (Good cholesterol)	40 mg/dL or higher (men) / 50 mg/dL or higher (women) (higher is better)
Triglycerides	Less than 150 mg/dL

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What are the Functions of Cholesterol?

The real question is, why do we need to strike a balance between good and bad cholesterol? A balanced cholesterol performs the following functions:

• It helps in building cell membranes
• It helps in hormone production like cortisol, estrogen and testosterone
• It aids in digestion by forming bile acids
• It assists in vitamin D production

So, cholesterol itself is not harmful, but problems arise when the mix between good and bad cholesterol levels is disbalanced.

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What are the Causes of High Cholesterol?

There is no single specific cause of high cholesterol. It can be caused by any of the following reasons:

• Diet high in saturated and trans fats (cholesterol high foods)
• Lack of physical activity
• Regular smoking and alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Genetic conditions (familial hypercholesterolemia)
• Diabetes or thyroid disorders

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What are the Causes of Low Cholesterol?

Although this condition is less common, very low cholesterol can also occur due to:

• Malnutrition
• Chronic illnesses
• Liver disease
• Hyperthyroidism

Low levels can affect hormone production and overall health, though high cholesterol is generally a bigger concern.

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What are the Risk Factors Associated with Cholesterol?

There are certain factors that increase your chances of developing unhealthy cholesterol levels. They are as follows:

• Age (risk increases in your 30s and 40s)
• Unhealthy diet
• Sedentary lifestyle that includes long hours of sitting with little physical activity
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

Recognising these risk factors early can help prevent complications.

What are Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

The more concerning part about increasing cholesterol levels is that they often do not show clear signs in the beginning and are easily overlooked. However, if you ever experience any of the following symptoms, you should visit a doctor and get tested, as prescribed. Because most people discover high cholesterol only after a test.

The signs of high cholesterol can be:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Fatigue
• Yellowish deposits around the eyes (xanthomas)
• Shortness of breath

What is the Diagnosis of Cholesterol?

Based on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may advise you to do a simple blood test that includes a cholesterol test or lipid profile. It helps measure total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in your body.

Note: Doctors usually recommend fasting for 9 – 12 hours before the test for accurate results.

When to See the Doctor?

You should consult a doctor if:

• Your cholesterol levels are consistently high
• You have a family history of heart disease
• You experience chest pain or fatigue
• You have conditions like diabetes or obesity

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, regular screening is very important for monitoring your overall health.

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Conclusion

Cholesterol is an essential part of your body. The real concern comes when it becomes imbalanced. With rising cases of heart disease, especially among younger populations, being proactive about your health is very important. By regularly monitoring your cholesterol levels, and making mindful lifestyle choices, you can lower your risk of cholesterol related issues.

If you are unsure about the next steps to take, you can reach out to us. Our expert healthcare professionals at the CK Birla hospital, can help you get tested and manage the condition thoughtfully and effectively.

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FAQs

How Often Should Cholesterol Levels Be Checked?

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should get tested every 4 to 6 years if you are over 20 years of age.
• For high-risk individuals, it is better to check cholesterol levels more frequently, as advised by a doctor.

• For people on treatment, regular monitoring is very important.

How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally?

By understanding your overall health condition, an expert doctor can guide you better. Besides that, you can follow these healthy lifestyle tips to lower cholesterol levels naturally.

1. Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Include cholesterol lowering foods like oats, nuts, and fatty fish
3. Opt for foods low in cholesterol such as legumes and leafy greens
4. Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes a day)
5. Maintain a healthy weight
6. Quit smoking and limit alcohol

Can Cholesterol Be Cured Permanently?

Cholesterol cannot usually be cured with a one-time treatment, especially if it is genetic. However, it can be effectively managed through:

• Consistent healthy lifestyle changes
• Regular monitoring
• Medication when necessary and as prescribed by a doctor

You can maintain healthy cholesterol levels for life with proper care.