You know that cholesterol is bad for you, and that it can influence your risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. Here is a look at what cholesterol is and its link to heart problems.

What cholesterol is

In order how to understand how your cholesterol levels affect your overall health, you also have to know what cholesterol is. Produced by the body in the liver, it has several functions. While having too much cholesterol is bad, not having enough can also be bad. Cholesterol helps the body to produce the bile acids that are needed to digest fat in the foods that you eat, build and repair new cells so that everything in your body remains focusing properly, and produce the hormones estrogen and testosterone which play vital roles throughout the body. Not enough cholesterol and these functions are impaired, too much cholesterol and your arteries become clogged and your risk of heart disease and other problems goes up.

The symptoms of cholesterol

Despite the dangers of having high cholesterol, unlike other health problems you can be totally unaware that you have a problem. For most patients, high cholesterol levels are diagnosed by a blood test done by your doctor.

On the other hand, since high cholesterol can cause other health issues like coronary disease, heart attacks, and stroke, if you suffer from these problems you may also have an underlying cholesterol problem. These conditions do have noticeable symptoms that could be warning signs that you need to go to your doctor.

Coronary disease includes several symptoms, including: angina, pains in the chest, nausea, and difficulty catching your breath. Vascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and other problems, has symptoms mainly confined to the lower extremities, including a tightening sensation and ulcers or open sores. Symptoms of stroke include: dizziness and loss of balance, slurring when you talk, and numbness on one side of your body - particularly the face, arm or leg. Often the symptoms of a stroke will occur suddenly and with little warning.

Even if you do not have symptoms, there are other potential warning signs of high cholesterol. Patients who are overweight and obese, as well as those who do not exercise, tend to have increased levels of cholesterol in their blood. Also those with a family history of high cholesterol may also be at risk.

Since only a blood test can definitively diagnose high blood pressure, it is recommended that healthy patients have their blood tested at least every 5 years, and those who are overweight should have their cholesterol tested at least every 3 years. However, if you have more than one risk factor for high cholesterol, your doctor may advise more frequent testing.

Lowering your cholesterol

Once you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is highly advisable to lower it as soon as possible. Often, your diet can help with this. Look for lean cuts of meat and low fat dairy products. Increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will also help. Avoid frying your foods, opting for grilling, steaming, and baking instead as your cooking methods.