During physical examination, the level of low-density lipoprotein is one of the important indicators to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because high LDL levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. This article will explore the main causes of elevated LDL levels and provide some prevention and control methods.
High in LDL
What are the reasons
1. Eating habits:
Excessive intake of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, baked goods, and processed foods, can lead to elevated LDL levels.
2. Lack of exercise:
Lack of physical activity reduces the clearance of LDL in the body, which leads to its buildup in the bloodstream.
3. Chronic diseases:
Diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease may also affect LDL metabolism.
4. Weight problems:
Being overweight or obese is associated with elevated LDL levels, as weight gain may cause the liver to produce more cholesterol.
5. Smoking:
Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, increases the risk of LDL oxidation, and promotes atherosclerosis.
6. Age and gender:
LDL levels may naturally increase with age, especially in men and postmenopausal women.
High in LDL
Most of them are caused by this reason
Genetic factors:
Genetic disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, can cause abnormally high levels of LDL.
About 75% of elevated LDL levels are associated with metabolic abnormalities in individuals, which are often closely linked to genetics.
If one parent has hyperlipidemia, there is about a 50% chance that the child will inherit high and low density lipoprotein levels.
For example, genetics can lead to defects in LDL receptors on the cell surface, which are responsible for removing LDL from the blood. Receptor deficiencies reduce the clearance of LDL, causing it to build up in the blood.
The dangers of high LDL
1. Athesclerosis:
LDL particles enter the walls of blood vessels through the damaged endothelium and form plaques after oxidation, leading to atherosclerosis.
2. Increased risk of heart disease:
Hardened arteries reduce the amount of blood flowing to the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
3. Risk of stroke:
Atherosclerosis can also lead to blockages in blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of ischemic stroke.
4. Peripheral arterial disease:
High-low-density lipoprotein levels can likewise affect blood vessels in other parts of the body, causing peripheral arterial disease, leading to leg pain and limited function.
5. Retinopathy:
HDL levels can also damage the blood vessels in the eye, causing vision problems.
6. Kidney disease:
Vascular damage may also affect kidney function, and long-term HDL levels may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.
5 tricks to help you lower LDL
1. Improve your diet:
Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, which are commonly found in fried foods, fast foods, and processed foods. Increase foods rich in unsaturated fats, such as fish, nuts, and olive oil.
2. Increase physical activity:
Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, can help raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels while lowering LDL levels.
3. Control your weight:
Weight loss can improve the body's metabolism of fat, especially for overweight or obese individuals, and weight management is the key to lowering LDL.
4. Quit smoking:
Smoking decreases HDL levels and increases LDL oxidation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking can help improve lipid metabolism.
5. Medication:
When lifestyle changes aren't effective in lowering LDL levels, your doctor may recommend statins or other lipid-lowering medications.