Deadly High Cholesterol: When Is Cholesterol Too High?

Cholesterol is a necessary fat substance for the body, but excessive amounts can be life-threatening. Too high cholesterol levels can lead to serious health issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. This article comprehensively discusses what it means when cholesterol is dangerously high, how high cholesterol affects health, when cholesterol is too high, and what you can do to manage it.

Cholesterol is a fatty compound needed for the production of cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol travels in the blood bound to lipoproteins, which come in two types: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein).

•  LDL cholesterol : Also known as "bad cholesterol." This type of cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver to other tissues. High LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the walls of arteries and cause plaque formation, leading to narrowing and hardening of the arteries.

•  HDL cholesterol : Referred to as "good cholesterol." HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and transports it back to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated from the body.

While cholesterol is essential for the body, excessive amounts, particularly high LDL cholesterol, can be extremely dangerous

High cholesterol, especially high LDL cholesterol, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. When there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it begins to accumulate in the walls of the arteries. This process is known as atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque forms in the walls of the arteries, consisting of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other substances. Over time, this plaque hardens and narrows the artery walls, restricting blood flow to organs and tissues.As a result, the body does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to serious health issues.

 Problems caused by atherosclerosis: 

1.  Heart attack: If plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, blood flow may be reduced or completely blocked, leading to a heart attack.

2.  Stroke: If plaque forms in the arteries that carry blood to the brain, blood flow to the brain can be obstructed, resulting in a stroke.

3.  Peripheral artery disease: The accumulation of plaque in the arteries supplying the limbs can lead to peripheral artery disease, causing pain and weakness in the legs or arms.

4.  Aneurysm: The weakening of the arterial wall due to plaque can lead to the formation of an aneurysm, which is a localized dilation of the artery. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding.

Cholesterol is measured using a blood test known as a lipid panel. This test measures the levels of cholesterol in the blood and provides values for both LDL and HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. It is important to understand when cholesterol is high enough to be dangerous and requires immediate action.

•  Total cholesterol : Less than 5.0 mmol/l

•  LDL cholesterol : Less than 3.0 mmol/l

•  HDL cholesterol : More than 1.0 mmol/l for men and more than 1.2 mmol/l for women

•  Triglycerides : Less than 1.7 mmol/l

 Deadly high cholesterol refers to levels that are significantly above these reference values, especially when LDL cholesterol significantly exceeds 3.0 mmol/l and HDL cholesterol is low.Such values can lead to a very high risk of cardiovascular diseases, and they may require urgent medical attention and aggressive treatment.

Cholesterol levels can be dangerously high when:

•  Total cholesterol is over 7.5 mmol/l

•  LDL cholesterol is over 4.9 mmol/l

•  HDL cholesterol is under 1.0 mmol/l

•  Triglycerides are over 5.6 mmol/l

Such cholesterol levels can lead to serious complications and require immediate treatment.Especially if you have other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking, dangerously high cholesterol can be life-threatening.

There are several factors that can lead to dangerously high cholesterol. Understanding these risk factors can help you reduce your risk and make necessary lifestyle changes.

Heredity is one of the most significant risk factors for high cholesterol. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary condition in which LDL cholesterol levels are exceptionally high from a young age. Patients with FH have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases early.If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, it is important to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.

A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can raise LDL cholesterol levels and lead to high cholesterol. Fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, butter, baked goods, and processed foods are examples of foods that can raise cholesterol levels.

A lack of exercise can lead to higher LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Regular exercise helps improve cholesterol profiles, increase HDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels and lowers HDL cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Smoking also increases the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, making it even more dangerous for blood vessels.

Overweight, especially abdominal obesity, is a significant risk factor for high cholesterol. The accumulation of fat tissue can alter the body's ability to process fats and cholesterol, leading to higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels.

Certain diseases, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic kidney disease, can affect cholesterol levels and increase the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Managing these diseases is also important for controlling cholesterol levels.

As we age, LDL cholesterol levels may rise, and in women, LDL cholesterol often increases more after menopause than in men. This is partly due to the reduction of estrogen's protective effect, which helps keep cholesterol levels in check.

If your cholesterol levels are too high, it is important to take immediate action to manage them. Here are some of the most effective ways to manage dangerously high cholesterol:

Diet is a key factor in managing cholesterol levels. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and increase healthy fats, such as foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.Favor fiber-rich foods, such as whole grain products, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which help lower LDL cholesterol.

 Examples of healthy dietary choices: 

•  Swap fatty meat: Replace fatty meat with fish, chicken, or plant-based protein sources such as legumes and tofu.

•  Add fiber: Eat more whole grains, such as oats, barley, and brown rice. Add fruits and vegetables to every meal.

•  Avoid trans fats: Avoid processed foods, such as baked goods, cookies, and fast food, that contain trans fats.

Exercise is an effective way to improve HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming. Exercise also helps with weight management and reduces the risk factors for other heart diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important changes you can make to improve your cholesterol profile and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Quitting smoking raises HDL cholesterol levels and reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

If you are overweight, weight loss can significantly improve cholesterol levels. In particular, reducing abdominal obesity helps lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol. Weight loss is most effective when combining a healthy diet with regular exercise.

If lifestyle changes are not sufficient to lower cholesterol levels, medication may be necessary. The most commonly used medications for treating dangerously high cholesterol are statins, which inhibit the liver's cholesterol production and effectively lower LDL cholesterol. Statins can also slightly raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels.

Other medications that can be used in conjunction with statins or as alternatives include:

•  Ezetimibe: Inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

•  PCSK9 inhibitors: A newer class of drugs that lowers LDL cholesterol by inhibiting the action of the PCSK9 protein in the liver.

•  Fibrates: Helps to lower triglyceride levels and may slightly raise HDL cholesterol.

If you have high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, it is important to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.Regular blood tests and health monitoring with a doctor help ensure that your cholesterol levels remain under control and that you can make necessary changes in a timely manner.

Deadly high cholesterol is a serious health risk that can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases. When cholesterol levels rise too high, especially when LDL cholesterol is elevated, the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health issues significantly increases.

Managing cholesterol levels is important throughout life, influenced by many factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices.A healthy diet, regular exercise, non-smoking, and medication if necessary are key ways to keep cholesterol in check and prevent the consequences of dangerously high cholesterol.

If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels or heart health, it is important to contact a healthcare professional and take the necessary steps to protect your health. Managing cholesterol is key to long-term health and well-being.