How High Cholesterol Puts You at Risk for Heart Disease and What You Can Do About It

You may feel perfectly fine, but high cholesterol can still be damaging your body behind the scenes. That damage raises your risk of developing heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the United States.

Since high cholesterol often goes unnoticed, regular testing is essential to protect your health. John Terzian, MD, FACC, and the team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC offer accurate, comprehensive cholesterol screenings and personalized treatments to manage your levels.

Here, learn how high cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and what you can do about it.

The connection between high cholesterol and heart disease

Your body does need cholesterol for essential functions like building healthy cells. However, you can sometimes end up with more cholesterol in your blood than you need.

There’s high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” kind. When LDL levels climb too high, it starts to adhere to the artery walls, forming plaque. Several factors can contribute to high LDLs, including:

• A diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Smoking/tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress
• Genetic predisposition

A buildup of plaque (a condition known as atherosclerosis) causes your arteries to narrow and harden. Stiff, narrow arteries restrict blood flow, potentially leading to cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and carotid artery disease — all of which increase your risk of a life-threatening event, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Strategies for heart health

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, we prioritize a natural approach to managing your cholesterol. Although medications can play a role for some patients, healthy lifestyle adjustments are often the best way to address the problem. These may include:

A heart-healthy diet

Map out a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods provide essential nutrients and fiber, which can help lower LDLs, or bad cholesterol.

Load up on vibrant fruits and veggies; aim for a rainbow of colors to maximize your nutrient intake. Choose whole grains over refined ones by swapping white bread for whole wheat and brown rice for white. When it comes to protein, lean is key — think fish, poultry, and plant-based options like beans and lentils.

Move your body

Find an activity you enjoy so that exercise doesn’t feel like a chore and easily becomes part of your everyday routine. It could be hiking, cycling, swimming, or something new you’ve always wanted to try.

Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, but even short bursts of activity throughout the day add up. If you’re new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activity. 

Avoid tobacco and alcohol

Quitting smoking is non-negotiable for heart health. Smoking contributes to high LDLs and damages blood vessels, raising your risk of complications even further. If you’re struggling to quit, our team is here to provide the tools and support you need.

Alcohol, even in moderation, can still have a negative impact on your cholesterol. Consider limiting alcoholic drinks to special occasions or celebrations only.

Find healthy ways to manage stress

When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can raise the level of bad cholesterol in your blood. Stress can also cause inflammation that lowers your HDL, or good cholesterol.

Try some evidence-based relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or guided meditation. Even a few minutes of daily mindfulness can make a difference.

If you’re concerned about your cholesterol, schedule an appointment with Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology. Call our office in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, or book online today.