Why You Might Have A HIGH Cholesterol - Doctor Explains

We all have heard of cholesterol. And you might know it is unhealthy. But do you know if your cholesterol is too high? Do you know why it is dangerous? And most importantly, do you know what to do about it?
Well, we will cover the answer to all your questions, and more, in this video. So make sure to watch the whole video so you don’t miss any important information.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipid. A waxy substance carried through your blood, attached to proteins. This combination of proteins and cholesterol is called a lipoprotein, of which there are 2 types:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Considered the “bad” cholesterol, which plays a major role in the process of atherosclerosis.
- The second type is High-density lipoprotein (HDL). considered the "good" cholesterol, which picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.
Cholesterol as a whole, isn’t all bad. In fact, it is an essential component of animal cell membranes. Your body also uses it to produce steroid hormones, bile acid and vitamin D.

Atherosclerosis?
High levels of cholesterol, especially LDL, can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Over the years these plaques can grow, may obstruct the blood flow of blood vessels and may ultimately rupture or create blood clots. This could lead to serious complications of cardiovascular disease.
This process of atherosclerosis can be sped up and increased by several risk factors; being overweight, diabetes, lack of physical exercise, smoking, high blood pressure and yes… a high cholesterol.

When is your cholesterol too high?
- If your doctor would do a blood test, your total cholesterol levels should be under 200 mg/dl. If they are above 240 mg/dl they are considered high.
- Your LDL should be less than 100 mg/dl. And above 160 it is considered high.
- Your HDL should be above 40 mg/dl and are considered optimal above 60 mg/dl.

When to visit your doctor?
It is often recommended to screen your cholesterol every 1-2 years for men over the age of 45 and women from ages 55 and over.
However, if you have a family history of high cholesterol, a heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight, do you smoke, do you drink alcohol regularly and/or do you have a sedentary lifestyle, than it might be wise to start at an earlier age with these check ups.

How can you prevent high cholesterol levels and/or how could you lower them?
This all starts with an healthy lifestyle: Exercise at least 150 minutes each week, consume a balanced diet (with low levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar. Eat plenty of fibers, fruit and vegetables), maintain an healthy weight, have a structured sleeping schedule (7-9 hours of sleep each night), quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation and decrease stress (by maintaining social contacts, doing fun activities and relaxing).

However, in some cases changing your lifestyle will only get you so far. Your doctor might recommend several medications to help you lower your cholesterol. Your doctor might prescribe you:
- Statins. These are the most common medicine for high cholesterol. They inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which normally plays an essential role in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. This lowers the circulating LDL, the total cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol.
Usually you need to take a tablet once a day for the rest of your life. I made specific videos on most statines, you can find them in the playlist in the description.
- Other medicines for high cholesterol include: Ezetimibe, fibrates, alirocumab and evolocumab

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021). High cholesterol. Mayoclinic.
3: Varma A. Fletcher J. (2021). What should my cholesterol level be at my age? MedicalNewsToday
4: NHS. (2022). Medicines for high cholesterol. NHS.
5: Wikipedia. (2022). Cholesterol. Wikipedia.

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[vince]

80% of heart attacks occur in people with "normal" cholesterol. 80% of heart attacks occur in people with blood sugar problems.

[jgi]

Excuse me, if you don't mind me asking. Why is it that high cholesterol doesn't cause specific symptoms?

[theandersons]

I had mine checked last week and was at 220. They said all good and I shouldn't worry.

[unknownytaus]

Well I'm 27 and 75kg just today found out mine is high that is why I looked this up.
Also low iron

[baycchief]

Still very concerned that many doctors were not aware, educated and/or informed that by prescribing the medication Statin it does cure the root causes and actually causing a lot of issues for the patients due to other major side affects that may lead to other illnesses.

[upulrathnayake]

Thanks for sharing this to a all people

[shalamigri]

I'm in a weird spot. My overall cholesterol is ALWAYS high, but my HDL is always exceptionally high which gives me a better than average ratio. My recent total is 268, LDL is 172, HDL is 85 and my ratio is 3.2. Now that I'm 50, my doctor is suggesting medication even though my ratio is really good. I'll try to get it down by better eating and maintaining my exercise program and will get re tested in 6 months. It just seems weird because I've talked to many people about cholesterol but I've never come across anyone with an HDL as high as mine.

[WakeUp]

Can very high cholesterol condition be reversed ?

[gmo]

What is the test that will tell me the types of LDL I have? There are diff types of LDL...damaged and undamaged. Why do we only look at one number? The tests r too simple. I wantto know tje health of my LDL.

[vince]

If you have low triglycerides and high HDL very high LDL is harmless. If you don't have a fatty liver oxidised LDL will be recycled.

[icimatch]

If u have genetic..high ldl issue statins seem to be needed. Been on keto for 1.5 yrs and lipids went down 20% every 6 months.. weight dropped by 10 lbs. now removing all red meat but staying on keto or Mediterranean diet to to get off as I am now on borderline high risk criteria cause high risk. No niacin etc.. just k2 d3 and omega 3.

[carlvanbeek]

Were did you learn this? You might study a bit more on this topic.. you're still very young, so you have got and need time enough.

[Nisha-klrl]

High cholesterol can impact overall health. Consulting with specialists at Planet Ayurveda for holistic guidance might assist in maintaining wellness.