Heart health is a concern for many Americans, and cholesterol plays a significant role in heart health. It is common knowledge that cholesterol is bad for your heart, but many don’t fully understand what cholesterol is or how it silently damages your cardiovascular system over time. The concerning problem with cholesterol is that it rarely causes symptoms until serious damage has already occurred. Cardiologists typically recommend that healthy adults have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years. Though if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of high cholesterol, or are over 40, your cardiologist may recommend annual screenings. Getting acquainted with heart and vascular fundamentals gives you the resources to make modifications to your diet, exercise regimen, and lifestyle to positively benefit your heart health and keep cholesterol levels low.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a substance found in your blood that is necessary for building healthy cells. However, high levels of cholesterol are dangerous and can increase your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol often leads to the buildup of fats and other substances. As this plaque builds up over time, it narrows or clogs your arteries. This obstruction constricts blood flow through your arteries. There is also a risk that plaque fragments can break loose and form a blood clot. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Good Cholesterol vs. Bad Cholesterol
Not all cholesterol is equal. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is considered to be “good” cholesterol because it transports “bad” cholesterol from tissues to your liver for excretion. Reducing cholesterol buildup in your arteries also lowers your risk of developing heart disease. Bad cholesterol is low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs. This is the type of cholesterol that sticks to the walls of your arteries, forming dangerous plaque buildup. LDL cholesterol should be kept low, and HDL cholesterol should be kept high. Your cardiologist is a good resource for helping you determine what levels you should be at.
The Connection
When too much LDL cholesterol is present in your blood, it begins to deposit in the walls of your arteries. These deposits don’t sit harmlessly; they actively damage artery walls and trigger inflammation. The more plaque that builds up, the narrower your arteries become. This significantly restricts blood flow to your heart muscle. When your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, symptoms like chest pain may appear. More dangerous than that, plaque can rupture or break open. This triggers the formation of a blood clot. If the clot blocks the flow of blood to your heart, it can cause a heart attack. If the blockage hinders blood flow to your brain, it causes a stroke. Keep in mind that chronic reduced blood flow can weaken your heart and lead to heart failure.
Risk Factors
Some cholesterol-related risk factors are beyond your control, and others can be modified through lifestyle changes. Those at higher risk include:
- Older adults
- Men
- Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
- Diets high in saturated and trans fats
- Smokers
- Overweight individuals
- Those who participate in little to no physical activity
- Certain medical conditions
Loosening the Link Between Cholesterol and Heart Disease
The link between cholesterol and heart health is significant. Genetics plays a role in your cholesterol levels, but your diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors also have a significant impact on your cardiovascular health. Regular monitoring and developing gradual, sustainable changes to your daily habits can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels and protect your heart. Heart disease is largely preventable, and small steps now have long-term impact.
Concerned about your risk for heart disease? Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced cardiologists.