What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) that flows in the blood and is essential for many body functions. Cholesterol plays a role in the structure of cells, hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone), vitamin D, and bile. The human body naturally produces cholesterol, but consumption of unhealthy foods and inappropriate lifestyle can increase its amount. What is blood cholesterol? Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) that flows naturally in the blood and is essential for vital body functions. This substance plays a key role in the structure of the cell membrane, the production of some hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, the production of vitamin D, and the production of bile. The human body produces a large part of the cholesterol it needs, but consumption of high-fat and unhealthy foods, inactivity and an incorrect lifestyle can cause an excessive increase in cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol, especially when the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) increases, can seriously increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and vascular problems. For this reason, knowing the types of cholesterol, its diagnosis methods and control strategies is very important in maintaining the health of the heart and blood vessels. Types of cholesterol - **LDL (bad cholesterol):** Its excessive increase can cause the accumulation of fat in the walls of the arteries and increase the possibility of heart diseases and stroke. - **HDL (good cholesterol):** helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and reduces the risk of heart diseases. Triglyceride is another type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease. ### Problems caused by high cholesterol for the heart **Increasing bad cholesterol (LDL)** causes the accumulation of fat in the walls of the arteries and narrows them. This can cause the following problems: - ** Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis):** hardening and narrowing of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to vital organs. - ** Coronary artery disease: ** Blockage of the arteries feeding the heart that may lead to angina pectoris (chest pain) or heart attack. - **Stroke:** A stroke occurs if the vessels supplying blood to the brain are blocked. - **High blood pressure:** Narrowed veins cause increased blood pressure and double pressure on the heart. Ways to detect high cholesterol High cholesterol usually has no specific symptoms and can only be diagnosed through a blood test. Doctors usually recommend a lipid panel test to check cholesterol levels, which includes: Total cholesterol - the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) - The amount of good cholesterol (HDL) - Triglyceride level This test is usually performed on an empty stomach (8 to 12 hours without food) to provide more accurate results. Ways to treat high cholesterol Treatment of high cholesterol includes lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication: - **Healthy diet:** Consuming low-fat foods, rich in fiber (such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains) and avoiding saturated and trans fats. - **Physical activity:** Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) can help reduce LDL and increase HDL. Weight control: Losing excess weight can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. - **Quit smoking:** Smoking reduces the level of HDL and increases the risk of heart diseases. Stress management: High stress can increase cholesterol levels, so it is important to manage stress through meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques. - **Cholesterol-lowering drugs:** If lifestyle changes are not enough, the doctor may prescribe drugs such as statins, niacin, fibrates or cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Ways to prevent high cholesterol To prevent an increase in cholesterol, it is recommended to observe the following points: - Following a low-fat and high-fiber diet - Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight - Reducing the consumption of processed and high-fat foods - Stress control and adequate sleep - Regular cholesterol examination and testing (every 4 to 6 years for healthy people, and earlier for high-risk people) ### Specialists related to the treatment of high cholesterol To check and manage high cholesterol, you can refer to the following doctors: - **Cardiologist:** To investigate the effect of cholesterol on heart health and treat related diseases. - **Internist:** For general examination of health status and cholesterol management. - **Nutritionist:** to set up a suitable **diet**. - **Endocrinologist:** In cases where high cholesterol is caused by metabolic or hormonal problems. Summary High cholesterol is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases that can lead to serious problems such as heart attack and stroke. Early detection through blood tests and following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risks. In case of high cholesterol, it is necessary to visit a specialist doctor and follow the treatment recommendations. Dr. Marvarid Dadres, a cardiology specialist in Tehran, with years of experience in examining heart problems and providing effective strategies to prevent heart diseases, helps patients to maintain their heart health. As a doctor specializing in weight loss and lifestyle change in Tehran, he helps to reduce cholesterol and improve the general health of the body by providing specialized diet programs. Also, by using echocardiography, he examines heart problems carefully and suggests the best treatment methods. If you are looking to change your lifestyle, lose weight and reduce cholesterol, consulting with Dr. Dadres can be an effective step in your health path.