For most adults over 65, a healthy total cholesterol is under 200 mg/dL, with optimal LDL ("bad") under 100 mg/dL, and HDL ("good") over 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women), but targets can vary; some healthcare providers aim for LDL under 70 mg/dL, especially with other risk factors, so consulting a doctor for personalized goals is best.
Your cholesterol levels show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally 60 to 80). Your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) should be below 100. Your total should be below 200.
No, high cholesterol doesn't directly cause headaches, but it can lead to conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) or atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) that do cause headaches by affecting blood flow to the brain, or sometimes stress/lifestyle factors causing both. While cholesterol itself is often asymptomatic, headaches or dizziness can be warning signs of underlying issues linked to high cholesterol, such as severely elevated blood pressure or poor circulation, so frequent headaches warrant a cholesterol check.
Several studies have reported the effects of sertraline on blood lipid levels in literature. Sertraline increased cholesterol levels in patients receiving psychiatric treatment.
The worst foods for high cholesterol, given their high saturated fat content, include: Red meat, like beef, pork, and lamb, as well as processed meats like sausage. Full-fat dairy, like cream, whole milk, and butter. Baked goods and sweets.
Try to eat more:
Numbness and tingling: Yes. Narrowed arteries caused by high cholesterol can restrict blood flow to the arms, legs, hands, or feet, leading to these sensations. Joint pain: Indirectly. High cholesterol contributes to inflammation, which may worsen existing joint discomfort, especially in patients with arthritis.
Inclisiran is a cholesterol-lowering treatment that reduces levels of a 'bad' cholesterol, called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, in the blood. High LDL cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart and circulatory disease.
We found that the biological effects of vitamin D repletion, namely a decrease in PTH and increase in serum calcium, were strongly and independently associated with a rise in LDL cholesterol and LDL particle number.
Sertraline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
There are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol. But if left untreated, it can lead to heart attack and stroke. It's often a hidden risk factor which means it can happen without us knowing until it's too late.
The causes of many chronic daily headaches aren't well-understood. True (primary) chronic daily headaches don't have an identifiable underlying cause. Conditions that might cause nonprimary chronic daily headaches include: Inflammation or other problems with the blood vessels in and around the brain, including stroke.
How often should cholesterol be checked? The American Heart Association recommends that all adults 20 or older have their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every four to six years as long as their risk remains low.
Meanwhile, normal cholesterol levels for women aged 20 and over are 125-200 mg/dL, with LDL below 100 mg/dL and HDL above 40 mg/dL. High cholesterol is ascertained if their blood cholesterol level surpasses 239 mg/dL.
Levels of LDL cholesterol higher than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are linked to an increased risk for ischemic stroke.
Here's a starting list:
Vitamin D and cholesterol: What to know. The connection, if any, between vitamin D and cholesterol is unclear. Some research suggests that vitamin D supplements may improve cholesterol levels. However, others indicate that vitamin D has no effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Common mistakes before cholesterol testing include consuming high-fat or sugary foods, neglecting to fast as instructed, and failing to stay hydrated. These factors can lead to inaccurate test results, impacting heart health management.
Too little sleep
Sleep deprivation or staying up all night can make cholesterol levels increase.
The main downsides of statins are common, generally mild side effects like muscle pain, digestive issues, and headaches, but rarely, they can cause serious problems like severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) or liver/kidney issues, with a small increased risk of new-onset diabetes, though the heart benefits usually outweigh these risks, and most side effects can be managed by adjusting dosage or switching medications.
One of the challenges with high cholesterol is its lack of obvious symptoms, earning it the moniker of a "silent" condition. Regular cholesterol screenings are crucial, especially for individuals with risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, obesity, smoking, or a diet high in saturated fats.
Other medicines may be used if statins do not work or you do not want to take statins. These include: other tablets – such as ezetimibe, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants (also called resins) and bempedoic acid. injections – such as alirocumab, evolocumab and inclisiran.
High cholesterol doesn't just affect your heart—it can show up on your face in subtle yet significant ways. From yellowish patches around your eyes to small cholesterol bumps, these signs are your body's way of warning you about elevated cholesterol levels.
To remove cholesterol from your body, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil, nuts, and fish) while reducing saturated/trans fats (fatty meats, fried foods, baked goods) and sugar; get regular exercise (30 mins most days); quit smoking; maintain a healthy weight; and limit alcohol, as these changes boost good HDL cholesterol and lower bad LDL cholesterol, with medication sometimes needed for stubborn cases.
Nail changes can show signs of heart problems. It's important to watch for these signs to keep your heart healthy. This helps catch heart issues early. Look out for nail changes like clubbing, splinter hemorrhages, and cyanotic nail beds.