High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are linked to an increased risk for ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, and high cholesterol contributes to the formation of plaque that can build up in the arteries and block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Plaque is a fatty substance made of cholesterol, cellular waste products, fibrin, and calcium, and it can make arteries narrower and stiffer, restricting blood flow in the arteries, including those in the brain.
However, it is important to note that unlike coronary heart disease, there is no significant direct relation between an increased risk of stroke and increased plasma total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. Other factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes, can also increase the risk of stroke.
Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that adults aged 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. If you have high levels of LDL cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, or medication to lower your cholesterol levels.
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol
High cholesterol typically does not cause any symptoms, and a blood test is the only way to detect if you have it. However, if left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. In some cases, visible signs of high cholesterol, such as swellings made from cholesterol on the knuckles of your hands, your knees, or the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle, may be present in people with familial hypercholesterolemia.
It is important to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or other risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure. If you have high cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, or medication to lower your cholesterol levels.
If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as tightness, squeezing, fullness, pain, or aching in your chest or arms, difficulty breathing, anxiety, sudden loss of balance and coordination, sudden dizziness, or facial asymmetry, seek medical attention immediately
How is high cholesterol diagnosed
High cholesterol is diagnosed through a blood test to check cholesterol levels, which is called a lipid panel or lipid profile. This test typically reports the following numbers:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
- HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
- Triglycerides (a type of fat)
The test results will show the levels of each of these types of cholesterol in your blood, and your healthcare provider will use these numbers to determine if you have high cholesterol and what your risk is for heart disease and other health problems.
It is recommended that adults aged 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or other risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may need to have your cholesterol checked more frequently.
If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, or medication to lower your cholesterol levels.
How often should cholesterol levels be checked
Here are the recommendations for how often cholesterol levels should be checked based on the search results:
- Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
- The American Heart Association recommends that all adults aged 20 or older have their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every four to six years as long as their risk remains low.
- The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends that a person’s first cholesterol screening should occur between the ages of 9 and 11 and then be repeated every five years after that. Cholesterol screenings should occur every 1 to 2 years for men ages 45 to 65 and for women ages 55 to 65. People over 65 should receive cholesterol tests annually.
It is important to note that some people may need to get their cholesterol checked more often depending on their risk of heart disease, such as those with a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or other risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Therefore, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider about your health history and how often you need to have your cholesterol checked.