Bad_Cholesterol

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Understanding “Bad Cholesterol”

When we talk about bad cholesterol - we are usually referring to Low‑Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and other non-HDL lipoproteins that can build up in the arteries.

Here is how it works:

  • LDL carries cholesterol to the body’s tissues. If levels are too high, cholesterol can deposit in the walls of arteries, forming plaque. 

  • Over time, these fatty deposits reduce or block blood flow, leading to serious problems like heart attack or stroke. 

  • Importantly: high levels of bad cholesterol often don’t cause obvious symptoms until damage has progressed.

Why It’s Dangerous

  • Plaque buildup in coronary arteries reduces oxygen supply to the heart—this is Coronary artery disease (CAD).

  • If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form, blocking the artery entirely, possibly causing a heart attack or stroke.

  • High bad cholesterol is also strongly linked with Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and narrowing of blood vessels in the legs or arms.

  • Because this condition is silent, many people find out only when they undergo routine testing or when complications occur. 

What to know

  • Most people with high LDL won’t notice any symptoms. A blood test (lipid profile) is the only reliable way to know. 

  • But sometimes there are visible or physical clues, especially in cases of very high cholesterol or genetic forms.

Possible signs include:

  • Skin / Eye changes:

    • Yellow fatty deposits (called Xanthoma) on elbows, knees, hands, buttocks or around the eyes.

    • Grayish-white ring around the cornea (called Arcus senilis), especially in younger individuals.

  • Chest Discomfort / Shortness of Breath: Due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. 

  • Leg/Arm Pain While Walking (Claudication): From narrowing of peripheral arteries. 

  • High Blood Pressure: Because stiffened or narrowed arteries force the heart to work harder. 

Who Is at Higher Risk?

  • Family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease

  • Obesity or sedentary lifestyle

  • Diet high in fried, processed, or fatty foods

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes, thyroid issues, kidney or liver disease

  • Increasing age

How Bad Cholesterol Is Diagnosed

Only a lipid profile test can confirm LDL levels. It measures:

  • LDL (bad cholesterol)

  • HDL (good cholesterol)

  • Total cholesterol

  • Triglycerides

  • Non-HDL cholesterol

Doctors recommend testing:

  • Every 5 years for healthy adults

  • Every 1–2 years if you have risk factors

  • Every 6 months if on treatment

How to Reduce Bad Cholesterol

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins

  • Reduce fried food, red meat, full-fat dairy, and packaged snacks

  • Exercise regularly (walking, yoga, cycling, swimming)

  • Quit smoking

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Take cholesterol-lowering medications (if prescribed)

Key Takeaway

High LDL cholesterol is dangerous because it rarely shows early symptoms. Visible signs such as xanthomas or chest pain appear only when levels are extremely high or when complications begin.

The only reliable way to know your cholesterol level is through a blood test.



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