My Cholesterol Blood Level is High - What do I do?

Recently I went for pre-employment medicals, which included chest x-ray, blood tests and clinical evaluation by a doctor; at the end of the exercise, I was told that my cholesterol blood level is very much on the high side.

Unfortunately, the impression I got from the doctor who broke the news to me is that I am in a pretty bad state of health going by the cholesterol result. On the contrary, I feel very healthy and I consider myself well preserved – I don’t take alcohol nor smoke, neither do I womanise.

Kindly enlighten me on what could have gone wrong with me. I am seriously worried. Thanks for your anticipated prompt response. John

John, I share in your worries but I should quickly add that the situation does not appear to me as irredeemable. High blood cholesterol is real common and it is now seen as a modern day epidemic. High blood cholesterol, also called hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia, is a very common condition in which the level of total cholesterol in the blood is higher than normal.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy, fat-like substance that is present in the blood and in the body’s cells. It is both made by the body itself and is also brought into the body through eating certain foods such as animal meats, which contains various levels of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is comprised primarily of three components, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. These components of cholesterol are a necessary element in the proper functioning of the body. When the HDL, LDL, and triglycerides are present in the right levels and balance in the body, cholesterol functions to protect health, including cardiovascular health.

However, when the total cholesterol levels become too high, and the levels and balance of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides in the body are not normal, it can result in the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries and increase the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. These include atherosclerosis, heart disease, blood clots, hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke. There generally are no symptoms of high cholesterol until complications develop..

Making a diagnosis of high cholesterol includes completing a complete medical evaluation and history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing includes a blood test that measures cholesterol levels. Cholesterol testing primarily measures the total amount of cholesterol and the three components of cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. However, blood cholesterol levels are only one aspect that can help determine a person’s total risk for developing cardiovascular disease. A comprehensive evaluation from a licensed health care professional includes compiling and analyzing many factors that impact cardiovascular disease risk. These include lifestyle, family history, personal history, dietary habits, weight, blood pressure, stress levels, and smoking/drinking habits. Other tests, including blood tests, EKG, and imaging tests, such as heart scans, are also evaluated to assess risk and if any complications of high cholesterol have developed.

It is very possible that a diagnosis of high cholesterol can be missed or delayed because there are generally no symptoms as it appears in your own case High cholesterol can be successfully treated with an individualized treatment plan that best fits the individual case of high cholesterol and a person’s life style. Treatment generally involves regular medical monitoring and cholesterol testing and lifestyle cum dietary changes. Treatment may also include medication for some people who are unable to normalize their cholesterol levels through diet and lifestyle changes. Going from the aforementioned, my candid advice to you is to elect to see a physician, if possible a specialist metabolic physician, who is trained to specially handle cases like yours. I reiterate: your case is very much redeemable.

Best wishes.