Hypercholesterolemia, commonly known as high cholesterol, refers to a condition characterised by an excessive amount of cholesterol in the blood. The consequences of leaving this condition untreated can be significant. It may result in conditions, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. We spoke to our expert Dr Hari Kishan Boorugu, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, who listed the impact of untreated hypercholesterolemia and how to manage it.
The Rising Challenge of High Cholesterol
“High cholesterol has become a prevalent issue, mirroring the increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. People with high cholesterol levels often have other comorbidities like diabetes and/or hypertension”, highlighted Dr Boorugu.
According to StatPearls, elevated cholesterol is characterised by a Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level exceeding 190 mg/dL, surpassing 160 mg/dL in the presence of one major risk factor, or exceeding 130 mg/dL with two cardiovascular risk factors. These risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, smoking, family history, or getting older.
Various factors contribute to abnormal cholesterol levels, including lifestyle choices, smoking habits, and genetic predispositions. “Abnormal cholesterol levels include high LDL, increased triglycerides, or low HDL. Notably, even children and adolescents can be affected due to factors like obesity and genetics,” added Dr Boorugi.
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The Risk of Atherosclerosis
A particularly concerning aspect of high cholesterol, especially high LDL cholesterol, is its strong association with atherosclerosis.
Dr Boorugi informed, “Atherosclerosis involves the formation of fat plaques, leading to the blockage of blood vessels. This condition can affect blood vessels in the brain, legs, or heart, potentially causing severe consequences, such as brain strokes or heart attacks. Blockage of leg blood vessels can manifest as pain in calf muscles while walking, and in extreme cases, it can lead to gangrene (loss of blood flow) of the foot/leg .”
Also Read: High Cholesterol: A Genetic Or Lifestyle Disorder? Expert Explains
Management Strategies
Understanding the potential consequences of untreated hypercholesterolemia underscores the importance of proactive management and lifestyle adjustments. Dr Boorugi listed management strategies for controlling high cholesterol as follows:
- Effectively managing high cholesterol starts with lifestyle modifications, and addressing other medical issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Lifestyle changes should include incorporating a high-fibre diet, quitting smoking, avoiding excess fat intake, and engaging in regular exercise. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week is sufficient to reduce both cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
- In some cases, cholesterol-lowering drugs may be necessary.
- Your doctor will assess your cholesterol levels and consider factors like diabetes, hypertension, or a history of heart attack or stroke before deciding on the appropriate course of treatment.
- Most people with elevated cholesterol levels do not experience any noticeable symptoms. Hence, it becomes important to get yourself tested.
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH), it is generally advised to have a cholesterol check every four to six years. Depending on their risk of heart disease, certain people might need to get their cholesterol evaluated more frequently. You may require more frequent testing if your family member has high cholesterol or is taking medication to lower cholesterol.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert for an effective treatment plan.]