Diet, cholesterol, and heart disease

A high level of cholesterol is a major cause of heart disease. An abnormal level of cholesterol and other lipids, also called fats, is known as dyslipidemia. We know that lipids (fats) are important for life as they are an important component of the living cells in our bodies. However, high levels of fats can increase your risk of getting heart disease or a heart attack.  

It is divided up into primary and secondary types.

Primary dyslipidaemia is inherited whereas secondary dyslipidaemia is an acquired condition. Meaning it develops from other causes, such as obesity or diabetes.

Lipids, such as cholesterol or triglycerides, are absorbed from the intestines and are carried throughout the body via lipoproteins for energy, steroid production, or bile acid formation.

Major contributors to these pathways are cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

An imbalance of any of these factors, either from organic or non-organic causes, can lead to dyslipidaemia.

High cholesterol

LDL, known as "the bad cholesterol", causes the build-up of fatty deposits within your arteries, reducing or blocking the flow of blood and oxygen your heart needs. This can lead to chest pain and heart attack. 

With high LDL your risk of atherosclerosis increases. Atherosclerosis is the medical term for "hardening of the arteries", and unfortunately is not limited to heart arteries. It can also occur in arteries elsewhere in your body, causing problems such as stroke, kidney failure and poor circulation.

Causes of high cholesterol

Several health behaviours can have effects and increase lipid levels. Examples include physical inactivity, nutrition, smoking and obesity. Specifically, nutrition risk factors include the insufficient consumption of fruits, nuts/seeds, vegetables, or high consumption of saturated fats. 

High cholesterol can be due to familial disorders. Autosomal dominant mutations cause most cases of familial hypercholesterolemia in LDL receptors, which causes an elevation in LDL-C levels.

How to treat high cholesterol

Initial management for dyslipidaemia involves lifestyle modifications. This approach should include a diet with an emphasis on the intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains within an appropriate calorie requirement.

Also, adults should participate in moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity 3-4 times a week for at least 40 minutes (150 to 300 minutes per week).

For those who do not have cardiovascular disease, treatment is determined by your individual risk for developing heart disease. That risk can be estimated using calculators which factor your age, sex, medical history, and other characteristics. 

If your risk is high (7.5-10% risk of developing CVD over 10 years), your doctor may start you on treatment preventively. The first-line treatment for dyslipidaemia is statins therapy.

In summary: to prevent heart attack and stroke you can do regular exercise, something as simple as walking, and maintain a healthy balanced diet. Medication is only necessary if your risk for heart disease is high.