7 reasons why having high LDL cholesterol are dangerous

Your total cholesterol includes low density lipoproteins (LDL), known as “bad” cholesterol, and high density lipoproteins (HDL), called “good” cholesterol. Having a high LDL means that there is too much bad cholesterol in your blood. It can stick to your artery walls and form plates, causing blood vessel problems, heart disease and cerebral vascular accidents.

1. High LDL can reduce your arteries

Too much LDL cholesterol can enter your artery walls and mix with lipids (other blood fats such as triglycerides) and cellular debris to form sticky deposits called plates. This accumulation causes atherosclerosis, a condition in which your arteries stiffen and narrow, slowing blood and oxygen. Over time, this increases your risk of coronary coronary disease (CAD) and stroke.

2. High LDL aggravates high blood pressure

When the plate clogs your arteries, your heart works harder to pass blood, removing blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, high LDL can make control more difficult and increase your risk of heart problems.

3. High LDL increases your risk of disease of the peripheral artery

The accumulation of low density lipoproteins can also block blood flow to your legs and arms, a condition known as the peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD can cause pain, numbness, heaviness or weakness in your limbs, usually your legs. Insufficient blood flow from the PAD also increases your risk of slow healing infections and wounds.

4. High LDL can cause chest pain

When your heart does not get enough blood rich in oxygen, you may experience chest pain, medically called “chest”. Angina causes chest pressure, sealing or pain, in particular with exercise or stress.

5. High LDL raises your risk of heart attack

If the plate opens or breaks, it can trigger a blood clot (thrombus) which blocks oxygen to your heart. This can damage or kill heart tissue, leading to a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction (IM).

6. LDL high increases the risk of an ischemic stroke

The plate can accumulate in the arteries that feed your blood brain. If the artery becomes too narrow, it can cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as “mini-coup”.

If the plate breaks and a blood clot blocks the artery, it cuts oxygen to the brain and can cause permanent damage. This experience is known as an ischemic stroke, the most common type.

7. High LDL often has no symptoms until it is serious

One of the most dangerous things about high LDL cholesterol is that it generally has no sign or symptoms at first. You can feel entirely healthy while the plate accumulates in your arteries. This is why it is important to obtain regular cholesterol tests.

Children need basic control between 9 and 11 years old, and young adults between 17 and 21 years old. Most adults are expected to get cholesterol controls every 4 to 6 years, but you may need them more often if you are over 40, high cholesterol risk factors or take medication.

Risk factors

LDL cholesterol risk factors include:

• A diet rich in saturated or trans fat
• Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
• Aging
• Certain drugs (for example, steroids, hypertension drugs or treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV))
• Be overweight
• Having type 2 diabetes
• Lack of physical activity
• Menopause
• Smoke cigarettes, vaping or exposure to used tobacco smoke

What should your LDL level be?

With LDL cholesterol, weaker numbers are better. For most adults, LDL should be less than 100 milligrams per decilitre (MG / DL) of blood. Your supplier can target 70 mg / dl or less if you are at high risk of heart attack or stroke. Here is how suppliers generally classify LDL levels.