High cholesterol means there is too much fat in the blood. If left unchecked, fat can settle in the blood vessels and block blood flow. This condition will cause a number of diseases, including hypertension and heart disease.
In order to avoid various diseases caused by high cholesterol, you need to keep cholesterol levels normal. High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia that is left unchecked can make your blood vessels narrow and harden (atherosclerosis). This condition will make you susceptible to various diseases.
Various Diseases Due to High Cholesterol
Here are some diseases that occur due to high cholesterol:
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels exceeds normal. One of the causes is the buildup of cholesterol which makes blood vessels narrow, so the heart needs to work harder and put extra pressure to pump blood. If left unchecked, over time the performance of the heart will also be affected.
2. Coronary heart disease
High cholesterol levels in the blood can cause a buildup of fat or plaque on the walls of blood vessels, including blood vessels in the heart (coronary arteries). This can reduce blood flow to the heart and cause coronary heart disease. If not treated immediately, a heart attack can occur.
3. Stroke
Not only in the blood vessels of the heart, fat can also accumulate in the blood vessels of the brain. If blood flow to the brain is blocked, this organ will be deprived of nutrients and oxygen, resulting in a stroke.
4. Peripheral artery disease
Blockage of blood vessels due to high cholesterol can also occur in small blood vessels. This condition is known as peripheral artery disease. The blood vessels that are often affected by peripheral artery disease are the blood vessels in the legs and feet. Even in some cases, blockages also occur in the blood vessels in the kidneys.
Tips for Controlling Cholesterol Levels
To reduce the risk of developing the above diseases, you need to control cholesterol levels. This step can be done by implementing a healthy lifestyle, such as arranging a healthy and balanced diet, accompanied by regular exercise.
The recommended diet to control cholesterol levels is a diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in soluble dietary fiber. Examples are whole grains, wheat, brown rice, fruit, and vegetables.
If your daily food intake is not enough to meet your fiber needs, you can take supplement products that have similar content. For example, supplements in the form of drinks that are more practical to consume.
Look for products with the words 'rich in soluble dietary fiber' or 'soluble fiber', and reads 'can help lower cholesterol' on the packaging label. Make sure the beverage product has been researched and approved by BPOM (Food and Drug Supervisory Agency).
Read the packaging label carefully when buying the product. You can choose products that contain beta glucan and insulin. Both of these substances are types of soluble dietary fiber that are useful for supporting the performance of the digestive system, as well as helping lower cholesterol levels.
It would be even better if the product also contains vitamins B1 and B2, which can help the body digest fats and carbohydrates and convert them into energy.
Don't forget to take at least 30 minutes a day to exercise, at least 3-5 times a week. You can jog, swim, exercise, or yoga. Choose the type of exercise that you like, the important thing is that you can do it consistently.
To avoid the risk of various diseases caused by high cholesterol, you need to make prevention efforts as early as possible. This can be done by living a healthy lifestyle and recognizing the signs of high cholesterol.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor, especially if you have experienced symptoms of the diseases above, or have risk factors for suffering from high cholesterol, such as obesity and heredity.
It should be understood that high cholesterol does not only occur in the elderly, busyness and a bad lifestyle can also put those of you who are still in your productive age at risk for high cholesterol. Remember, prevention is better than cure!