It's rare for high cholesterol to have visible signs and symptoms.There are rare cases in which there may be physical signs, such as around the eyes and/or over the tendons, but this happens for the majority of people.High cholesterol can be detected via a blood test.If you get diagnosed with high cholesterol, your doctor can give you an appropriate treatment plan.
Step 1: There are yellow patches on your eyelid.
The name of these is "xanthelasma palpebrarum."They may be related to a type of high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia.There are yellow patches on the skin.They are usually located above or below the eye.There is a sign of cholesterol under the skin.The majority of cases of high cholesterol have no signs or symptoms.
Step 2: You should look for deposits in your tendons.
These are called "xanthomata" and they occur in the fingers.They may be associated with Type III hyperlipidemia if they occur in the palm, knees, and elbows.These are bumps in your hands.Many of them are present in one area at the same time.The majority of cases of high cholesterol have no signs or symptoms.
Step 3: There is a white or gray discoloured "arc" in your eye.
It is called "circumferential arcsus" if you have this.The transparent outer covering of the eye is affected.If you look over the white area of the eye, you can see the changes.
Step 4: There are no signs or symptoms for elevated cholesterol.
The challenge when it comes to detecting elevated cholesterol levels is that almost everyone presents with no symptoms.To prescribe appropriate treatment, doctors rely on screening blood tests to pick up high cholesterol.If you have a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors, it is advisable to ask your doctor to screen your cholesterol levels at least every five years with a simple blood test.
Step 5: Know the risk factors for high cholesterol.
Your risk factors affect your chance of developing high cholesterol.You should get screening blood tests more frequently if you have more risk factors.Being overweight or obese, living a sedentary life, smoking and being diagnosed with diabetes are some of the risk factors to be aware of.
Step 6: Ask your doctor if you have a cholesterol panel.
The fastest and easiest way to detect high cholesterol is through a blood test.A "lipid panel" looks at your cholesterol levels, as well as your total cholesterol, and your triglyceride levels.You can't eat or drink fluids other than water for up to 12 hours prior to the blood test.Immediately after the blood test, you can eat and drink.After the blood test is over, most people eat breakfast and do the test first thing in the morning.
Step 7: You can learn how to read blood test results.
When your blood test results come back from the lab, you want to know if they are concerning or not.Here's how to tell if your cholesterol is good or bad, and if it is.The higher the number, the more desirable it is.The recommended value for bad cholesterol is 70–129mg/dL, it depends on your overall health and other cardiovascular risk factors.130– 159mg/dL is considered borderline high.The total cholesterol is desirable if it is below 200mg/dL.Above 200mg/dL is high, but below 150 is desirable.
Step 8: When getting rechecked, be patient.
If you make changes to improve your cholesterol, you may want to get your levels checked to see how your new lifestyle has affected it.It can take between two and three months to see lab changes from diet or medication.Allow your body time to adjust before you are retested.
Step 9: Receive screening at regular intervals.
There is no other way to detect high cholesterol other than through blood tests.If your initial test comes back normal, you should have your cholesterol levels tested once every five years.Your doctor may advise you to have more frequent screening blood tests if your initial test is high or if you have risk factors for high cholesterol.An initial test is recommended for children between the ages of nine and 11.Between the ages of 17 and 21 is when a second test is recommended.Unless otherwise stated, screening can continue every five years.
Step 10: Make lifestyle changes.
Your doctor will suggest lifestyle changes if you have high cholesterol levels.lifestyle changes alone may be enough to get you back in the normal range if your cholesterol levels are only borderline high.Three to five sessions of 30 minutes or more per week is recommended for aerobic exercise.Aerobic exercise can include things like swimming, biking, jogging, or brisk walking.Exercise raises your good cholesterol and improves your cholesterol profile.A healthier diet is what you should be eating.Reducing fat consumption and consuming more fruits and vegetables can lower your cholesterol levels.One of the main ways to lower cholesterol is by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet.If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about healthy weight loss goals for you, and where your ideal body weight should be based on your height and build.
Step 11: Take a statin.
Your doctor will recommend medical treatment if lifestyle changes alone are not enough to reduce cholesterol levels.Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a first-line medication.Your doctor will advise follow-up blood tests to monitor your cholesterol profile and degree of improvement once you begin medical treatment.
Step 12: Continue with treatment for the rest of your life.
If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you will need to continue with positive lifestyle changes and medical treatment for the rest of your life.Your high cholesterol levels are likely to return if you stop treatment.If you find that side effects of medication are a concern for you, you can ask your doctor for an alternative medication to try, as there are plenty of treatment options for elevated cholesterol.