Cholesterol : The sludge buildup in your arteries
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance that is in the
bloodstream. Cholesterol is not an entirely bad thing – it is used by the body
to make hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help digest fat. The body
actually makes all of the cholesterol you need to support these functions.
Where cholesterol becomes problematic is when you take in too much in the foods
you eat. Cholesterol is found in foods from animal sources such as meat, eggs,
and full-fat milk.
High cholesterol occurs when you have too much cholesterol
in your bloodstream. Excess cholesterol
causes plaques on the walls of arteries that can make it harder for blood to
circulate. Think of an artery like a water pipe - buildup on the inside of the pipe
(such as hard water and iron deposits) would cause a decrease in the amount of
water flowing out of the end. Similarly,
plaques in arteries decrease the amount of blood flow to tissues in the
body. If the heart does not get enough
blood flow, it can cause chest pain, known as angina, or even a heart attack.
The plaques can also break off in the artery and lodge in the smaller arteries
of the brain and cause a stroke. Plaques can cause kidney disease, poor blood
flow to the bowels, and poor circulation in the legs.
Most people who have high cholesterol do not have symptoms. Therefore,
it is recommended to check cholesterol at least every five years in women over
the age of 45 and men over the age of 35. People with other risk factors for
heart disease, including those who smoke, have diabetes or a family a history
of heart disease, should start screening at age 20.
Regardless of whether you have or have not been screened, or
whether you do or do not have high cholesterol, there are things you can be
doing right now to prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats.
Saturated fats are food in meat, full-fat dairy products and some oils. Trans
fats are found in margarine and store-bought cookies and cakes. Eat more
oatmeal, fish, nuts, high-fiber foods, and olive oil. These foods help decrease
cholesterol levels by blocking its absorption in the bloodstream. Remember that
nuts and olive oil are high in calories and should be used in moderation.
Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and getting at least 30 minutes of
moderate-intensity exercise daily are all also ways to prevent high cholesterol
and heart disease.
If you have questions about cholesterol, think you need to
be screened, or if you have symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain or
shortness of breath, please see your doctor for more information.
*** Dr. Matthew Bogard, Iowa doctor, is an emergency medicine doctor primarily at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa. Presently, he is Board Certified in Family Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
