Causes of high cholesterol

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor General Internal Medicine Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

High blood cholesterol promotes atherosclerosis. This is a serious medical condition that can lead to many life-threatening complications such as stroke, heart attack, angina, peripheral vascular disease, and high blood pressure. So what causes high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a component of blood lipids, plays an important role in nerve fiber cell activity and hormone production, helping the body to function normally and stay healthy. There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). If the level of LDL-cholesterol is elevated for a long time, it will lead to the deposition of fat in the walls of blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis. These atherosclerotic plaques will cause narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, impeding blood flow or worse, sudden rupture of blood vessels, causing many serious complications.

High blood cholesterol promotes atherosclerosis. So what causes high cholesterol?
2.1. Genetic factors If you have a family history of high blood cholesterol, this is considered as one of the risk factors that make you more likely to have high cholesterol in the blood. This is because the genes that control how your body processes cholesterol and fats are passed on from your parents to you.
2.2.Eating and living habits Unhealthy diet: Using foods high in saturated fat such as red meat, milk, cream, butter, cheese, pastries, liver and organs Animals, fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken or foods made from cocoa butter, chocolate... Inactivity: People who sit or lie down too much have a high risk of high cholesterol in the blood. . Maintaining a regular exercise and sports lifestyle will help reduce triglycerides Smoking: Smoking will reduce good HDL-cholesterol

Age and gender: Postmenopausal women may have elevated cholesterol levels. Medications: Some drugs can increase triglycerides when used regularly Alcohol use: Harm to the liver and lead to increased cholesterol in the body Diseases: People with certain diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism will increase cholesterol in the body.

People who will be at risk for hypercholesterolemia include:
Family history of high blood cholesterol Diet high in saturated fat Being overweight, obese Having diabetes, kidney disease, hypothyroidism

If you want to lower blood cholesterol levels you need to exercise hard and have a healthy diet (use foods low in saturated fat and avoid drinking too much alcohol and smoking) Your doctor will give you a treatment plan. treatment after assessing your hypercholesterolemia

If left untreated, long-term hypercholesterolemia can cause serious cardiovascular problems and even death. The American Heart Association recommends having your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, or more often if you're at high risk. Understanding the causes of high blood cholesterol will help you prevent or prevent the disease from becoming serious.
>> See more: Medicines to treat total cholesterol
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