Download Hypercholesterolemia Introduction

Hypercholesterolemia
Introduction
Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the
body. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that is a natural component of all the
cells in the body. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Added cholesterol, which
comes from the foods you eat, may cause harm.
High cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. When there is too
much cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can create sticky deposits (called plaque) along
the artery walls. Plaque can eventually narrow or block the flow of blood to the brain, heart,
and other organs. Blood cells that get caught on the plaque form clots, which can break loose
and completely block blood flow through an artery, causing heart attack or stroke.
The normal range for total blood cholesterol is between 140 to 200 mg per decilitre (mg/dL)
of blood (usually just expressed as a number). However, the total number doesn't tell the
whole story: There are two types of cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoproteins, or "good"
cholesterol) and LDL (low density lipoproteins, or "bad" cholesterol). The amount of HDL
relative to LDL is considered a more important indicator of heart disease risk. There is a third
kind of fatty material called triglycerides found in the blood. They also play a role (generally
as triglyceride levels rise, "good" HDL cholesterol falls). In fact, there is a subset of
physicians who believe that trigylcerides are the only fats in the body that increase heart
disease risk. When you have high cholesterol, it usually means you have high levels of LDL
cholesterol, normal or low levels of HDL cholesterol, and normal or high levels of
triglycerides.
While heredity may be a factor for some people, the main culprits are lack of exercise and
diets high in saturated fat. High cholesterol can be prevented, sometimes with lifestyle
changes (diet and exercise) alone. If these do not work, your doctor may recommend
medications to lower your cholesterol levels.
Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages, there usually aren't any symptoms of high cholesterol. The only way to
tell if your cholesterol is high is through a blood test.
Causes
In some cases, high cholesterol levels may be inherited, your liver may make too much
cholesterol, or your body may not remove LDL from your blood efficiently. High cholesterol
and elevated triglycerides can also be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes. But
most often high cholesterol is caused by eating foods high in saturated fat and not getting
enough exercise. High cholesterol is more common in people who are overweight or obese, a
condition that affects almost half of U.S. adults.
Risk Factors
Some factors increase a person's risk of having high cholesterol. While some of these cannot
be changed, many can be. The most important risk factors for high cholesterol are:
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Being overweight or obese
Eating a diet high in saturated fat and trans fatty acids (found in processed and fried
foods)
Not getting enough exercise
Family history of heart disease
High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Diagnosis
Most people do not have any symptoms of high cholesterol. A blood test is the only way to
check levels of cholesterol in your blood. If your levels are above 200 mg/dL, or your HDL is
below 40, your doctor may do a fasting lipid profile, a test performed after you abstain from
food for 12 hours.
Although cholesterol levels above 200 are generally considered high, what is considered safe
for each person depends on whether you are at risk for, or have, heart disease.
Total cholesterol levels:
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Desirable: Below 200 mg/dL
Borderline high: 200 to 239
High: Above 240
LDL cholesterol levels:
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Optimal for people with heart disease or who are at high risk: Below 70 mg/dL
Optimal for people at risk of heart disease: Below 100
Optimal: 100 to 129
Borderline high: 130 to 159
High: 160 to 189
HDL cholesterol levels:
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Poor: Below 40 mg/dL
Acceptable: 40 to 59
Optimal: 60 or above
Triglyceride levels:
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Optimal: Below 150 mg/dL
Borderline high: 150 to 199
High: Above 200
Adults with normal total and HDL cholesterol levels should have their cholesterol checked
every 5 years. If you have high cholesterol, you should be checked every 2 to 6 months. You
should have liver function tests as well if you are on cholesterol-lowering medication.
Preventive Care
Most people can lower cholesterol levels by eating a well balanced diet, getting regular
exercise, and losing excess weight.
Diet
A healthy diet can help you lose weight. Losing just 5 or 10 pounds may help lower your
cholesterol. To eat a healthy diet:
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Cut down on saturated fats and trans fats. No more than 10% of your daily calories
should come from saturated fat, and you should avoid trans fats completely. Based on
data from 4 studies, it is estimated that a 2% increase in energy intake from trans fats
increases the incidence of heart disease by 23%. Choose unsaturated fats, such as
olive oil and canola oil, instead.
Eat whole grains, whole wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, oat bran, and brown rice.
Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and can help lower cholesterol
levels. Studies show that plant-based diets are associated with decreases in total
cholesterol and LDL cholesterol of up to 15%.
Limit cholesterol in your diet. The highest amounts are found in egg yolks, whole
milk products, and organ meats.
Eat fatty fish. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that people eat at
least 2 servings of fatty fish (such as salmon or herring) each week.
Eat phytosterols and stanols found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and fortified food
products, such as orange juice, yogurt, and salad dressing. Studies show that eating 2
to 3 grams of phytosterols daily reduces total cholesterol by up to 11% and LDL
cholesterol by up to 15%.
Increase your intake of high fiber foods, especially oats, barley, and legumes, as well
as fruits, vegetables, and other whole grains.
The AHA has developed dietary guidelines that help lower fat and cholesterol intake and
reduce the risk of heart disease. The AHA does not recommend very low-fat diets, because
new research shows that people benefit from unsaturated ("good") fats, such as those found in
olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
Many fad diets are popular, but they may not help you lose weight and keep it off. In some
cases, they may not even be healthy. A healthy diet includes a variety of foods. If a diet bans
an entire food group (such as carbohydrates), it is probably not healthy.
Experts recommend eating a balanced diet that emphasizes fruit and vegetables:
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Grains: 6 to 8 servings per day (half should be whole grains)
Vegetables: 3 to 5 servings per day
Fruits: 4 to 5 servings per day
Fat-free or low-fat dairy: 2 to 3 servings per day
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Lean meat, poultry, seafood: 3 to 6 oz. per day (about the size of a deck of cards)
Fats and oils: 2 to 3 tbsp. per day (use unsaturated fats such as olive oil or canola oil)
Nuts, seeds, legumes: 3 to 5 servings per week
Sweets, sugars: 5 or fewer servings per week (the fewer, the better)
In addition, the AHA also recommends eating 2 servings of fatty fish (such as salmon,
herring, or lake trout) per week; restricting sodium (salt, including salt already added to food)
to less than 2,400 mg per day; and limiting alcohol intake to 1 drink a day for women and 2
for men. However, moderate alcohol consumption may help lower triglyceride levels and
increase HDL levels.
The TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) diet is recommended for people who have high
cholesterol. With the TLC diet, less than 7% of your daily total calories should come from
saturated fat, and only 25% to 35% of your daily calories should come from fat, overall.
Sodium should be limited to 2,400 mg per day. If these steps do not lower your cholesterol,
your doctor may suggest adding more soluble fiber to your diet, along with plant sterols
(found in cholesterol-lowering margarines and salad dressings).
The Mediterranean style diet concentrates on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish,
olive oil, and moderate, daily wine consumption. This diet is not low fat. It is low in saturated
fat but high in monounsaturated fat. This diet is naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and
omega-3 fatty acids. It appears to be heart healthy: In a long-term study of 423 people who
had a heart attack, those who followed a Mediterranean style diet had a 50 to 70% lower risk
of recurrent heart disease compared with people who received no special dietary counseling.
Losing Weight
Being overweight increases the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Even a 5 to 10
pound weight loss can lower LDL twice as much as diet alone. Weight loss often results in
lower triglyceride levels and increased HDL, too. To maintain a healthy diet, you should aim
for a gradual, weekly weight loss of 1/2 to 1 pound.
Getting Exercise
Regular exercise reduces the risk of death from heart disease and helps lower LDL
cholesterol levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Just 30 minutes of moderate
exercise 5 times per week can help you lose weight or maintain a proper weight, reduce LDL
and triglyceride levels, and increase levels of HDL. Studies show that every 10 minutes of
added exercise per session is associated with a 1.4 mg/dL increase in HDL cholesterol.
Exercise may also lower blood pressure. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise
program.
Treatment Approach
Lowering your cholesterol level reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies show
that for every 1% reduction in cholesterol levels there is a 2% reduction in the rate of heart
disease. People who already have heart disease or are at higher risk benefit most from
lowering their cholesterol.
Changes in lifestyle, improved diet and more exercise, are the most effective means of both
preventing and, in less severe cases, treating high LDL cholesterol levels. In addition to
recommending lifestyle changes, doctors often prescribe specific cholesterol-lowering
medications.
Medications
If your LDL cholesterol remains high, after changing your diet and exercise habits, your
doctor may prescribe medications to lower it. If your cholesterol is very high (more than 200
mg/dL), you may start drug therapy at the same time you improve your diet and exercise
habits. Drugs commonly used to treat high cholesterol include:
Statins: These are usually the drugs of choice as they are easy to take and have few
interactions with other drugs. Side effects can include myositis (inflammation of the
muscles), joint pain, stomach upset, and liver damage. People who are pregnant or have liver
disease should not take statins. Statins include:
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Lovastatin (Mevachor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Fluvastatin (Lescor)
Niacin (nicotinic acid): In prescription form, niacin is sometimes used to lower LDL
cholesterol. It can be more effective in raising HDL cholesterol than other medications. Side
effects may include redness or flushing of the skin (which can be reduced by taking aspirin
30 minutes before the niacin), stomach upset (which usually subsides in a few weeks),
headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and liver damage. Dietary supplements of niacin should
not be used instead of prescription niacin, as it can cause side effects. Only take niacin for
high cholesterol under a doctor's supervision.
Bile acid sequestrants: These are used to treat high levels of LDL. Common side effects
include bloating, constipation, heartburn, and elevated triglycerides. People who have high
levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood) should not take bile acid sequestrants. These drugs
include:
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Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Colesevelam (WelChol)
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: The medication ezetimibe (Zetia) limits how much LDL
cholesterol can be absorbed in the small intestine. Side effects include headaches, nausea,
muscle weakness. Ezetimibe is combined with simvastatin in the drug Vytorin.
Fibric acid derivatives: These medicines are effective at lowering triglyceride levels, and
moderately effective at lowering LDL. They are used to treat high triglycerides and low HDL
in people who cannot take niacin. Side effects include myositis, stomach upset, sun
sensitivity, gallstones, irregular heartbeat, and liver damage.
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Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Fenofibrate (Tricor, Lofibra)
If you do not respond to one class of drugs, you doctor may use a combination of drugs from
2 classes.
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
In addition to eating a healthy diet, low in saturated fat, with plenty of whole grains, fruits,
and vegetables, some specific foods and supplements may help lower cholesterol.
Fiber: Several studies show that soluble fiber (found in beans, oat bran, barley, apples,
psyllium, flaxseed, and glucomannan) lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Fiber can
also help you lose weight because it makes you feel full. Your doctor will encourage you to
get more fiber in your diet. You may also take a fiber supplement. Men should get 30 to 38 g
of fiber per day. Women should get 21 to 25 g per day.
Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fiber found in oat bran and other plants. It slightly reduces
LDL cholesterol, which is why oat bran is touted as a cholesterol-lowering food.
Soy: Many studies have shown that eating soy protein (tofu, tempeh, and miso), rather than
animal meat, helps lower blood cholesterol levels, especially when you eat a diet low in
saturated fat. One study found that as little as 20 g of soy protein per day is effective in
reducing total cholesterol, and that 40 to 50 g shows faster effects (in 3 weeks instead of 6).
Another study found that soy can help reduce triglyceride levels. The AHA recommends that
people with elevated total and LDL cholesterol add soy to their daily diet, and that soy is safe
when consumed as part of your regular diet. But talk to your doctor before you take soy
supplements. Soy isoflavones may have estrogen-like effects in the body, which might lead
to an increased risk of breast and other cancers.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil: There is good evidence that omega-3 fatty acids
(namely EPA and DHA) found in fish oil can help prevent heart disease, lower blood
pressure, and reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood. However, fish oil can also raise
levels of both HDL and LDL slightly. When taken as a supplement, it can also act as a blood
thinner, so people who already take blood-thinning medication should only take a fish oil
supplement under their doctor's supervision. One preliminary study found that people with
high cholesterol who took fish oil and red yeast rice lowered cholesterol levels about as much
as people who took simvastatin (Zocor). The AHA recommends that people eat at least 2
servings of fatty fish (such as salmon) per week, and that fish is safe when consumed as part
of your regular diet. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor before taking a fish oil
supplement.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): ALA is another omega-3 fatty acid that may protect the heart.
However, studies have shown conflicting results about its ability to lower LDL, and it does
not appear to lower triglyceride levels.
Vitamin C (100 to 200 mg per day): Several studies suggest that eating a diet high in
vitamin C can help lower cholesterol levels, but there is no evidence that taking extra vitamin
C through a supplement will help.
Beta-sitosterol (800 mg to 1 g per day in divided doses about 30 minutes before meals 3
times daily): Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol, a compound that can stop cholesterol from
being absorbed by the intestines. Several well-designed scientific studies have shown that
beta-sitosterol does lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Beta-sitosterol may
lower the amount of vitamin E and beta-carotene absorbed by the body, so you may want to
ask your doctor if you need to take extra vitamin E or carotene.
Policosanol (5 to 10 mg 2 times per day): Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols usually
derived from sugar cane and yams. Several studies have indicated it may lower "bad" LDL
cholesterol and maybe even raise "good" HDL cholesterol. One study found that policosanol
was equivalent to fluvastatin (Lescol) and simvastatin (Zocor) in lowering cholesterol levels.
It may also inhibit blood clots from forming. However, almost all of the studies have been
conducted in Cuba or Latin America using a proprietary form of policosanol, so it is hard to
evaluate the evidence. Policosanol may increase the risk of bleeding, and should not be taken
by people who also take blood-thinning medication.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Researchers believe that CoQ10 may boost levels of antioxidants.
One study found that people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart
attack were much less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. They
were also less likely to die of the condition than those who did not receive the supplements.
Still, more research is needed to say whether CoQ10 has any role in preventing or treating
atherosclerosis. People who take statins may have low levels of CoQ10. If you take statins,
you may want to ask your doctor about taking a CoQ10 supplement. CoQ10 can interfere
with anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
Polyphenols: Polyphenols are chemical substances found in plants that have antioxidant
properties. Test tube, animal, and some population-based studies suggest that the flavonoids
quercetin, resveratrol, and catechins (all found in high concentration in red wine, and in
grape juice) may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by protecting against the damage
caused by LDL cholesterol. However, more studies in humans are needed to confirm these
findings.
Resveratrol: A study in mice found that resveratrol protected against age-related damage to
vital organs, including the heart and liver, even when the mice ate a high-fat diet. Although
this study is promising, more studies are needed to determine whether resveratrol would have
the same effect in humans. No one is sure how much resveratrol is needed to see a benefit. In
addition, resveratrol may have estrogen-like effects, and researchers don't yet know whether
it would pose the same risks as estrogen supplements. Resveratrol can potentially interact
with a number of medications, including medications that are used to slow blood clotting,
such as warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin. If you take any prescription medications, check
with your doctor before adding resveratrol to your regimen.
Herbs
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease.
However, herbs can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or
medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care and under the supervision of
a health care provider.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna, 900 to 1,800 mg per day in 2 to 3 divided doses):
Hawthorn contains the polyphenols rutin and quercetin, and was traditionally used to treat
cardiovascular diseases. Animal and laboratory studies show that hawthorn has antioxidant
properties that may help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor
before taking hawthorn, as it can interact with other drugs taken for heart disease and high
blood pressure.
Garlic (Allium sativum, 900 mg per day of garlic powder, standardized to 0.6% allicin):
Previous clinical trials have shown that fresh garlic and garlic supplements may lower
cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and destroy plaque. However, more recent studies
show no effect on cholesterol. Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding and should not be
taken if you are also taking blood-thinning medication. Garlic may interact with Isoniazid
and medications used to treat HIV/AIDS. Speak with your doctor.
Olive leaf extract (Olea europaea, 1000 mg per day): One study found that people with mild
high blood pressure (hypertension) lowered cholesterol and blood pressure by taking olive
leaf extract, compared to those who took placebo. More research is needed to confirm these
findings.
Red yeast or red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus, 1,200 mg 2 times per day with meals):
Several studies indicate that a proprietary form of red yeast (Cholestin) can lower cholesterol
levels, and that the herb acts like prescription statin drugs (See "Medications" section). For
that reason, you should not take red yeast without a doctor's supervision, especially if you
already take statins to lower cholesterol.
Psyllium (Plantago psyllium, 10 to 30 g per day in divided doses taken 30 to 60 minutes after
meals): Taking psyllium, a type of fiber, helps lower cholesterol levels, as well as blood sugar
levels. If you take medicine for diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking psyllium.
Guggul (Commiphora mukul, 75 to 100 mg per day divided into 3 doses): Guggul is used in
Ayurvedic medicine to treat high cholesterol levels. Scientific studies have found mixed
results, guggul appears to work in Indian populations, but not in people who eat high-fat
Western diets. Guggul may have estrogen-like properties. Take caution if you have a history
of estrogen-sensitive cancers or if you're taking medications. Guggul can also affect thyroid
function and therefore interact with thyroid medications. Speak with your doctor.
Other Considerations
Pregnancy
Cholesterol-lowering medications should be avoided during pregnancy.
Prognosis and Complications
Several complications may occur if high cholesterol is left untreated. These include:
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Heart disease. High cholesterol levels more than double the risk of heart attack.
Lowering cholesterol by 1% reduces the risk of coronary artery disease by 2%.
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Stroke. Low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol have been associated with an
increased risk of stroke.
Insulin resistance. 88% of people with low HDL and 84% with high triglycerides
also have insulin resistance (which leads to high blood sugar levels). Many people
with insulin resistance go on to develop diabetes.
Maintaining a proper weight, eating a diet low in saturated fat, and exercising can lower
cholesterol levels and improve long-term prognosis.
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Alternative Names
Cholesterol - high; High cholesterol
Version Info
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Last reviewed on 3/27/2015
Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in
complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network.