Foods to Eat for High Blood Cholesterol

• High blood cholesterol (dyslipidemia) is a condition where the body has abnormally high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of serious complications. Blood lipids include total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
• Causes of high blood cholesterol include excessive consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, and refined carbohydrates; being overweight; lack of exercise; regular alcohol consumption; smoking; genetics; certain underlying medical conditions; and certain medications.
• Treatment for high blood cholesterol can involve lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments and regular exercise. However, if these changes are ineffective, medication may be prescribed by a doctor.

Many people may have heard the term "high blood cholesterol" from their annual health checkup results, but are still unsure how dangerous it is or whether they need to worry about it. This is because it often has no clear symptoms in the early stages, leading many to overlook it. Dyslipidemia is a condition where the body has abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, whether it's excessively high levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) or triglycerides, or excessively low levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). This increases the risk of atherosclerosis, blood clots, and the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as many other chronic illnesses.

This article will help you understand high blood cholesterol: its causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and prevention strategies, so you can take care of your health starting today, before the problem escalates to the point of no return.

What is high blood cholesterol?

Dyslipidemia is a condition where the body has abnormally high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the bloodstream. It can be one or both, and if left untreated, it can lead to narrowed or blocked blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious illnesses such as ischemic heart disease and stroke, as well as other chronic diseases.

How many types of blood fat are there?

1. Total Cholesterol: The body can produce this itself, and it also comes from egg yolks, seafood, and animal organs.
2. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is the "bad" fat. If too high, it can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, causing them to harden, narrow, or become blocked.
3. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): This is the "good" fat. It helps transport excess fat to the liver for breakdown and helps prevent atherosclerosis.
4. Triglyceride: This is produced by the body and also obtained from carbohydrates, sugars, and alcohol. If too high, it can also cause blood vessel blockage.

Standard values ​​for blood lipids.

What are some causes of high cholesterol?

1. A diet high in saturated and trans fats.
2. Excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
3. Being overweight or obese.
4. Lack of exercise.
5. Regular or excessive alcohol consumption.
6. Smoking.
7. Increasing age.
8. Genetics or family history.
9. Certain underlying medical conditions.
10. Certain medications.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

• There are often no symptoms in the early stages. Many patients are unaware they have it until a blood test reveals it.
• Easy fatigue, shortness of breath.
• Chest tightness, chest pain, especially during exertion.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, frequent lightheadedness.
• Numbness in the hands and feet, or frequent cramps.
• Calf pain when walking long distances (intermittent claudication).
• Small fatty deposits under the skin (xanthoma).
• White rings around the cornea (arcus corneae).
• Decreased sexual performance in men.
• Severe complications are often the first symptom.

Risk Factors and Complications of High Cholesterol

1. Coronary Artery Disease
2. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
3. Stroke
4. Peripheral Artery Disease
5. Hypertension
6. Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
7. Fatty Liver Disease
8. Pancreatitis due to High Triglyceride Levels
9. Male Erectile Dysfunction
10. Premature Death from Cardiovascular Disease

Diagnosis of High Cholesterol

1. Medication and Risk Factor Assessment
2. Lipid Profile (Blood Test)
3. Fasting for 8-12 hours before the test (in some cases)
4. Evaluating blood test results against standard criteria
5. Assessing Cardiovascular Risk
6. Identifying Secondary Causes of High Cholesterol
7. Further Testing if Genetic Factors are Suspected
8. Follow-up after Lifestyle Modifications or Medication Initiation

Treatment Guidelines for High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a silent threat often resulting from lifestyle choices, a diet high in trans fats, and lack of exercise. Neglecting this can lead to atherosclerosis, blood clots, and other serious diseases. Treatment options include prescribed medication and lifestyle modifications. Details are as follows:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Dietary Control
• Reduce fatty meats, fried foods, trans fats, and sugar.
• Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and nuts.
• Regular aerobic exercise combined with weight training.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.

Medication

If lifestyle modifications don't improve cholesterol levels, your doctor may consider prescribing certain medications, such as:

• Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin)
• Ezetimibe
• PCSK9 inhibitors
• Fibrates
• Omega-3 (EPA)

What to Eat for High Cholesterol

• Foods high in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, brown rice, and minimally processed grains, help reduce fat absorption.
• Foods consumed without oil. Or use less oil, avoid greasy dishes like salads, clear soups, tom yum soup, grilled fish, and steamed fish.
• Consume nuts such as almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds in moderation.
• Oily-salted fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Drink plenty of water to support a healthy metabolism.
• Low-fat milk, such as skim milk, is also beneficial.
• Soy protein, such as tofu, helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

What oils can you eat when you have high blood cholesterol?

• Extra virgin olive oil is suitable for salad dressings but should not be heated.
• Rice bran oil / soybean oil / canola oil / pure olive oil / sesame oil / sunflower oil / coconut oil are suitable for general cooking or stir-frying at low heat.
• Palm olein oil is suitable for deep frying or frying at high temperatures.
• Cottonseed oil / corn oil are suitable for general cooking but should not be used for deep frying.

What foods should you avoid when you have high blood cholesterol?

• Animal fats such as pork belly, pork knuckles, animal skin, and pork fat.
• Some plant-based fats and coconut milk, such as palm oil and coconut oil, including coconut milk-based curries.
• Foods high in cholesterol such as fish roe, egg yolks, squid, oysters, and animal offal.
• Trans fats such as margarine, shortening, and artificial cream.
• Foods high in sugar such as sweets, cakes, and soft drinks.
• Energy drinks.
• Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes should be avoided.
• Processed foods such as sausages, ham, and bacon.
• Some frozen foods that are high in fat and sodium.

Preventing High Blood Cholesterol

• Choose foods that are good for your blood fat levels.
• Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Get enough sleep and reduce stress.
• Have regular health checkups and blood lipid tests.
• Manage existing medical conditions effectively.
• Avoid unnecessary medications or supplements.

Can high cholesterol be cured?

High cholesterol can be treated and returned to normal with consistent health care, primarily focusing on lifestyle changes such as diet control, exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. In some cases, doctors may consider prescribing cholesterol-lowering medication as appropriate for each individual, to maintain balanced cholesterol levels and prevent complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Can thin people have high cholesterol?

Those who are thin can also be at risk of high cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are not solely dependent on weight, but also involve genetics, metabolism, eating habits, and underlying medical conditions. Therefore, some people with a healthy physique may unknowingly have higher than normal cholesterol levels in their bloodstream.

Treating High Cholesterol at Vibhavadi Hospital

High cholesterol, though a silent killer, can be treated if detected early. Regular annual health checkups, or comprehensive health screenings, are recommended at Vibhavadi Hospital. We are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for accurate and targeted diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors will assess risk factors, advise on dietary restrictions and safe choices for high cholesterol, and closely monitor your progress to prevent complications and allow you to live with confidence.

Summary

High cholesterol is a silent threat with no obvious symptoms, but it increases the risk of serious diseases such as heart and stroke. Causes include unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and genetics; even thin individuals can develop it. Treatment and prevention focus primarily on lifestyle changes, such as choosing healthy foods like seafood, nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables, and using cholesterol-lowering medication only when necessary as prescribed by a doctor to control blood cholesterol levels within the standard range. Regular health checkups are crucial for preventing complications before it's too late. Vibhavadi Hospital offers state-of-the-art equipment, comprehensive care, and close monitoring by expert physicians to help you enjoy good health and happiness every day.