What is hypercholesterolemia?
It consists of an increase in the levels considered normal of cholesterol in the blood. This higher presence of cholesterol is linked to coronary problems, lifestyle, sex of the person, diet and endogenous synthesis of the organism.
There are several factors that influence the pathology, where hereditary and dietary factors must be taken into account, as well as others related to the person’s physical activity.
Symptoms of hypercholesterolemia
Physical symptoms are not perceived until the cardiovascular alteration appears, such as infarction or angina. Other times, cutaneous accumulations of cholesterol (xanthomas or xanthelasmas) may appear.
What are the causes of hypercholesterolemia?
The main reasons that contribute to an increase in cholesterol levels are:
- Unhealthy diets: consuming excessive animal fats or alcohol causes the body to consume other types of nutrients first, thus preventing cholesterol from degrading and accumulating in the arteries.
- Hepatic, renal and endocrine diseases.
- Familial hypercholesterolemia: hereditary disease that results in a progressive increase in cholesterol, since it cannot degrade it.
Can it be prevented?
The main recommendations to prevent hypercholesterolemia are:
- Follow a balanced diet (it is important to avoid saturated fats).
- Perform physical activities of moderate intensity but regularly.
Following these two tips also helps to prevent or control other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases that are sometimes associated with hypercholesterolemia, such as diabetes, obesity or hypertension.
Following a balanced diet is an important preventive measure.
What does the treatment consist of?
In general terms, all patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia should improve their diet to reduce cholesterol levels, increase their physical activity and eliminate risk factors that may lead to the development of associated pathologies.
If dietary treatment does not achieve the desired objective, pharmacological treatment should be added, individualized for each person, since other risk factors should be assessed, as well as possible associated pathologies.