Everyone has cholesterol in their bloodstream so cholesterol actually isn’t a bad thing. It is a waxy, fatty substance made by your liver that your body needs to build and maintain healthy cells. It plays a vital function in your brain, skin, and nerves and can be found in the outer layer of all of your body’s cells. Cholesterol also keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles strong by aiding your body produce vitamin D and other beneficial hormones.

Since everyone needs cholesterol to be healthy and happy, why does cholesterol have such a bad reputation?

What is High Cholesterol?
There are two types of cholesterol, commonly known as “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol.” Bad cholesterol, or low density lipoprotein (LDL), is the type of cholesterol that is referred to when people discuss the dangers of high cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood can end up clogging up your arteries, preventing your body from getting adequate blood supply.

People with continually high levels of bad cholesterol are more likely to get diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other vascular disorders.

Good cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is responsible for carrying cholesterol to your liver to be flushed out of your body. People with HDL levels higher than their LDL levels are at a lower risk of stroke and heart disease.

What Are the Causes of High Cholesterol?
Some people are more genetrically predisposed to developing high cholesterol, but it’s usually unhealthy lifestyle factors that cause high cholesterol.

• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDs
• Chronic kidney disease
• Lupus
• Hypothyroidism
• High blood pressure medications
• Acne medications
• Being the recipient of a donated organ

While all of the above can cause high cholesterol, a poor diet is what accounts for most cases. Modern foods, especially in the western world, make it easy to eat a diet lacking in essential vitamins and nutrients. Eating a healthy, nutritious, and well-rounded diet is the best way to treat and prevent high cholesterol as well as many other weight-related conditions.

• Eggs
• Fatty meats
• Fast food
• Fried Foods
• Sweets
• Processed sugar
• Processed meats like bacon and sausages
• Full dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc.)

Other Lifestyle Factors that Cause High Cholesterol
In addition to eating a poor diet, there are other habits and lifestyle choices that make you more likely to develop high cholesterol.

Being overweight, smoking cigarettes, and drinking to excess can lead to high cholesterol. While people of all ages are diagnosed with high cholesterol each day, people older in age are more likely to be diagnosed. This is because as you age, your liver isn’t able to process bad cholesterol out of your body the way it used to.

People who spend a lot of time sitting down are at risk as well. You don’t have to be a gym addict, but getting regular exercise improves your circulation and lowers your risk of several health conditions including high cholesterol.

Treating High Cholesterol
If you are diagnosed with excess cholesterol, your GP may prescribe medications to help you lower your levels. These medications are most effective when you take them alongside a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Get your high cholesterol medications like Atorvastatin Tablets, Gemfibrozil Tablets, and Cholestagel Tablets online in the UK from Pharmacy Planet.