What are the risks of high cholesterol?
Disease description:
I am a 45-year-old middle-aged male. During a recent physical examination, I was found to have elevated cholesterol levels. My diet has been high in fat, as I often consume greasy foods such as braised pork, and I experience significant work-related stress while lacking regular physical exercise. Could you please explain the potential health risks associated with elevated cholesterol levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Elevated cholesterol levels may pose health risks such as increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, liver damage, impaired pancreatic function, reduced quality of life, and other harmful effects.
1. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: High cholesterol, especially elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. LDL cholesterol deposits in blood vessel walls forming plaques, which gradually lead to narrowed blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. Liver damage: Cholesterol synthesis and metabolism mainly occur in the liver. When cholesterol levels are elevated, the liver bears an increased workload, potentially leading to liver cell damage and the development of conditions such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
3. Impaired pancreatic function: High cholesterol levels may affect the function of pancreatic beta cells through multiple mechanisms, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
4. Reduced quality of life: Elevated cholesterol levels may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and chest tightness, affecting daily activities and work efficiency, increasing psychological stress, and ultimately lowering quality of life.
It is recommended to regularly monitor blood lipid levels, maintain a healthy diet, engage in appropriate physical activity, and, when necessary, follow medical advice to use medications such as Orlistat Capsules, Rosuvastatin Calcium Tablets, or Simvastatin Dispersible Tablets to maintain healthy blood lipid levels.
