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Understanding high cholesterol – Its symptoms and associated risk factors

Understanding high cholesterol – Its symptoms and associated risk factors

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It builds healthy cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Since it cannot dissolve in water, it does not travel through the bloodstream. It is carried by lipoproteins, which are low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or good cholesterol). High amounts of LDL or low amounts of HDL can lead to fatty buildup in the blood vessels.

High cholesterol
To find out one’s cholesterol levels, a lipid profile may be required. Here’s what the results mean:

  • Total cholesterol in adults
    These are the parameters to check one’s total cholesterol:

    • Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL
    • Borderline: 200 to 239 mg/dL
    • High: 240 mg/dL or above
  • LDL cholesterol in adults
    These are the parameters to check one’s LDL cholesterol:

    • Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
    • Near-optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL
    • Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL
    • High: 160 to 189 mg/dL
    • Very high: 190 mg/dL or above
  • HDL cholesterol in adults
    These are the parameters to check one’s HDL cholesterol:

    • Optimal: 60 mg/dL or higher
    • Borderline: 40 to 59 mg/dL among men and 50 to 50 mg/dL among women
    • Low: Under 40 mg/dL among men and under 50 mg/dL among women

Medicare insurance covers routine blood checkups for high cholesterol once every five years. Medicare Part B covers all blood work required to monitor cholesterol levels for those living with diagnosed high cholesterol. Additionally, Medicare Part B also covers one cardiovascular disease risk reduction visit each year. Medicare Part D may require prescription coverage for a high cholesterol management plan.

Early signs and symptoms of high cholesterol
Typically, people with high cholesterol do not exhibit any symptoms. The only way to detect cholesterol levels is via a blood test. However, when left untreated, it could lead to life-threatening conditions such as a stroke or a heart attack. If that occurs, symptoms could include nausea, numbness, slurred speech, extreme fatigue, chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, numbness or coldness in extremities, and high blood pressure.

Risk factors associated with high cholesterol
Although there are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol, several factors may increase one’s risk of developing this condition. Some of these include the following:

  • Lack of exercise: Exercise can help boost good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and improve cardiovascular health.
  • Poor eating habits: Constantly eating foods high in saturated and trans fats can lead to high cholesterol and related conditions.
  • Type-2 diabetes: This condition can negatively affect the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and increase bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Family history: People with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) live with very high LDL levels from a very young age. When left untreated, it can also increase one’s risk of other conditions. Those with a family history of early heart attacks must speak to their doctor and get tested for FH.
  • Age: The risk of high cholesterol increases with age, as the liver cannot clear out LDLs as effectively. Although this condition can occur at any age, people over 40 are at a higher risk of developing high cholesterol.
  • Sex: Until menopause, women tend to have lower LDL levels (bad cholesterol) than men. On the other hand, men have higher HDL levels (good cholesterol) at all ages.

Effects of high cholesterol levels
When left untreated, high cholesterol levels can lead to fat deposition in the arteries, potentially clogging them. This process is known as atherosclerosis and can lead to severe conditions such as the following:

  • Coronary artery disease: When cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, it is known as coronary artery disease. Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, cold sweat, pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders, and shortness of breath.
  • Peripheral artery disease: Peripheral artery disease is caused by narrowing and plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include aches, pains, or cramps in the buttocks, hips, thighs, or calves; muscle atrophy; hair loss; sores and ulcers that don’t heal; and cold or numb toes.
  • Carotid artery disease: Carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. The deposition of plaque in these arteries leads to carotid artery disease. Symptoms include blurred vision or vision loss, confusion, memory loss, numbness or weakness in some parts of the body, and problems with thinking, memory, reasoning, and speech.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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6 foods that help increase red blood cell count

Red blood cells (RBCs) are essential to ensure the proper functioning of vital organs in the body. The transportation of nutrients and oxygen to these organs depends heavily on RBCs. It's important to note that insufficient RBCs can lead to organ dysfunction, which is why maintaining a healthy RBC count is crucial. Fortunately, one way to achieve this is through proper nutrition. Several foods can help increase RBC count, ensuring the body functions at its best. Pumpkin seeds These seeds are well-known for their cardiovascular health benefits and can also help increase a person's red blood cell count. Pumpkin seeds have a characteristic crunchy feel, making them a handy snack option for people to munch on every now and again. More importantly, these seeds contain almost eight milligrams of iron along with nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and manganese. All these elements are essential to boost red blood cell production in a person's body. Moreover, pumpkin seeds also contain loads of copper, another mineral associated with increasing the red blood cells in the body and enhancing one's immune system. As stated, pumpkin seeds can be eaten alone or sprinkled over smoothies or salads. Regardless of how one consumes them, pumpkin seeds are a great way to increase hemoglobin levels. Onions The ultimate tastemakers, onions, can also help increase hemoglobin levels and the number of red blood cells in the body. Onions are loaded with flavonoid antioxidants that can protect existing cells and stimulate the production of new ones, resulting in numerous health benefits. Antioxidants, in general, protect the body against RBC lipid peroxidation, increase levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), and reduce levels of reactive oxygen species, all of which directly or indirectly boost the red blood cell count in the body. In other terms, onions are hugely beneficial for one's heart health in many ways. For instance, onions boost blood circulation by increasing the width of veins and arteries to smoothen and speed up the process of blood flow. Watermelon Like pumpkin seeds, watermelon is also an unconventional choice for RBC-boosting foods. Many studies and live examples have found watermelon's potency in increasing hemoglobin levels in one's blood. Watermelons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidative element that reduces the possibility of inflammation and makes iron absorption faster and more efficient in the body. Moreover, watermelon itself is a good source of iron. So, whether one prefers it diced, frozen, juiced, or blended in a smoothie, watermelon retains its incredible ability to raise the red blood cell count in the body. Spinach Leafy green vegetables are often included in lists of the best foods because they are packed with nutrients and health benefits. This is especially true when it comes to foods that increase red blood cell count. Spinach, in particular, is a highly efficient vegetable to keep an individual's hemoglobin levels constantly high. It is rich in vitamin B9 (folic acids), which boosts cardiovascular health in individuals in multiple ways. Some other foods rich in vitamin B are enriched bread and cereals, liver, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. Avocados These are fruits rich in unsaturated fats, the elements that are considered among the most important ones for one's cardiovascular health. Avocados, like spinach, are loaded to the brim with vitamin B9, also known as folates, a nutrient scientifically proven to boost an individual's RBC count. Vitamin B9 helps duplicate a person's DNA at a rapid rate to increase the red blood content in their body. Moreover, a deficiency in folates and folic acid leads to health issues such as low RBC count and anemia. Milk and cheese Dairy products are not too far behind from a red blood cell count-boosting perspective either. Foods like milk, cheese, and butter are rich in vitamin B12, which facilitates the rapid production of red blood cells inside one's body. Apart from milk, cheese, ice cream, butter, and other dairy products, some other foods rich in vitamin B12 are meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and fortified items like cereals and nutritional yeasts. Apart from these foods, some of the other names that increase one's red blood cell count are asparagus, tuna, salmon, mackerel, walnuts, and hazelnuts.  A well-balanced meal plan with a variety of foods is essential to support red blood cell production. After receiving the results of an RBC blood test, the healthcare provider may suggest specific meal recommendations, supplements, or other interventions to help improve one's RBC count.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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