Cholesterol Management with Lifestyle, Diet, and Medication

A waxy material found in our blood that is needed to build healthy cells is known as cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol, to put it in simple words can increase your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol, develops fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Wondering how cholesterol levels are measured?   Cholesterol levels are measured using a blood test called a lipid profile.

In this article, Rajashree Gadgil, the best nutritionist for cholesterol management intends to explain what cholesterol normal range is, cholesterol causes, cholesterol symptoms and so on.

Let’s learn the recommended cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Normal Range

Normal cholesterol levels for adults:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Below 130 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: Above 60 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL
• Non-HDL cholesterol: Below 160 mg/dL

A rise in the cholesterol level could be because of your diet. Cholesterol enters your body when you eat food, particularly due to foods high in saturated fats say, fried foods and red meat. Eating too much of these foods? Be careful, cholesterol levels in your blood may increase to unhealthy levels.

Cholesterol Causes

• Overeating saturated fat or trans fats
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Age

High cholesterol, is generally without any symptoms. However, if left unchecked, it can lead to serious health issues due to the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries.

Cholesterol Symptoms

• Angina (chest pain): This happens due to reduced blood flow to the heart
• Heart attack: Ensues when blood flow to a part of the heart is congested
• Stroke: Because of reduced blood flow to the brain
• Xanthelasma: Yellowish patches around the eyelids
• Arcus senilis: A white or grey ring around the cornea
• Xanthomas: Yellowish deposits of cholesterol-rich material in tendons

Symptoms of High Cholesterol in Females

High cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to accumulation of plaque in the arteries which could be dangerous.  If you are a female and experiencing new, acute or insistent signs these could be indications of high cholesterol.

Types of Cholesterol

• LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol)
• HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol)
• VLDL cholesterol (another “bad” cholesterol)

If you have any apprehensions about your cholesterol levels, Rajashree Gadgil the most acclaimed nutritionist in Thane and founder of TRUWELLTH Integrative Health Centers suggests you to consult with a healthcare professional who can guide you through the suitable tests and treatments.

How To Know If You Have High Cholesterol?

As there are no perceptible indications of hypercholesterolemia, blood test is the only way to know if you have high cholesterol. It’s imperative to get regular check-ups to monitor your cholesterol levels and take precautionary actions if needed. The healthcare professional recommends a complete cholesterol test (lipid profile blood test), inquiries about family history, and conducts a few physical examinations to confirm if you have high cholesterol.

Now, that you know about the risks associated with high cholesterol, you must be wondering to know the ways to cut the cholesterol level.

How to Reduce Cholesterol?

A combination of lifestyle modifications and medications generally help in reducing cholesterol levels. Let’s mention a few common approaches:

Lifestyle Changes

• Diet: Eating foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol
• Exercise: Regular physical activity
• Weight Management
• Giving up smoking can improve your cholesterol levels

Medications

• Statins
• Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
• Bile Acid Sequestrants
• PCSK9 Inhibitors

As per the best Nutrition Center in Thane, you need to be mindful of what you are eating to avoid unexpected rise in cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Foods to Avoid

• Fried foods
• Fast food
• Processed meats
• Desserts
• Cheese
• Shrimp
• Organ Meats

Cholesterol Foods to Eat

• Oatmeal and High-Fiber Foods
• Fatty Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Avocados
• Nuts
• Garlic
• Dark Leafy Greens
• Whole Grains
• Low-Fat Cheese
• Baked Foods
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cholesterol Levels by Age Chart

• Age 20–39 years: Under 160: 0 points. 160-199: 4 points. 200-239: 8 points. 240-279: 11 points. 280 or higher: 13 points.
• Age 40–49 years: Under 160: 0 points. 160-199: 3 points. 200-239: 6 points. 240-279: 8 points. 280 or higher: 10 points.
• Age 50–59 years: Under 160: 0 points. 160-199: 2 points. 200-239: 4 points. 240-279: 5 points. 280 or higher: 7 points.

Take Away

Visit TRUWELLTH Integrative Health Centers, the most highly regarded Nutrition Center in Thane and discuss your cholesterol issues with Rajashree Gadgil, the best nutritionist Mumbai. She would identify and address the root cause and suggest foods along with regular exercises and other heart-healthy habits for optimal results. At TRUWELLTH, the journey to ideal health and well-being begins.