High cholesterol varies slightly by age and sex, but generally, for adults (20+), total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL ("bad") below 100 mg/dL, and HDL ("good") above 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women) are optimal, while levels above 240 mg/dL total or 160 mg/dL LDL are considered high risk, though targets can be stricter with existing heart disease or diabetes. For children and teens (under 19), aim for total under 170 mg/dL and LDL under 110 mg/dL.
Researchers¹ have found connections between abnormal cholesterol levels and skin disorders. For example, there's an association with: Xanthomas: bumps on the skin that have fats inside them. Psoriasis: a skin disease characterized by itchy, scaly patches.
Yes, a total cholesterol level of 5.7 mmol/L is considered borderline high, indicating it's above the healthy range (usually <5.5 mmol/L) and may require monitoring or lifestyle changes, though its significance depends on your LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and overall cardiovascular risk factors like age, blood pressure, and family history. It's a warning sign, not an immediate crisis, but suggests potential increased risk for heart disease over time, especially if LDL ("bad") cholesterol is high and HDL ("good") cholesterol is low.
Several studies have reported the effects of sertraline on blood lipid levels in literature. Sertraline increased cholesterol levels in patients receiving psychiatric treatment.
When a plaque of cholesterol ruptures and a clot covers it, it closes off an entire artery. This is a heart attack, and the symptoms include severe chest pain, flushing, nausea and difficulty breathing.
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.
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.
Eighteen recent papers were selected, and thematic dimensions showing correlations between cholesterol and behavioral and psychopathological variables were depression, suicide, personality, and aggression.
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.
Sertraline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad cholesterol" in terms of its potential for harming the heart and brain. It is a major contributor to arterial plaque development. Levels of LDL cholesterol higher than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are linked to an increased risk for ischemic 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.
LDL cholesterol:
Elevated: 100-129. Borderline high: 130-159. High: 160-189. Very high: 190 or higher.
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.
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.
Numbness or Weakness
Poor circulation can make your feet or lower legs feel unusually cold, even in warm weather. Cuts, sores, or bruises on your legs or feet may take longer to heal due to reduced blood supply. The skin on your legs may appear shiny, pale, or bluish. Hair loss on the legs and feet can also occur.
Other medicines for high cholesterol
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.
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.
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.
Consuming high-fat or full fat dairy products or sugary foods can temporarily elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, giving a misleading picture of your lipid profile. This occurs because the body metabolizes fats and sugars into lipids, which circulate in the blood.
Decreasing your consumption of saturated fats can reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol. Eliminate trans fats. Trans fats, sometimes listed on food labels as "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil," are often used in margarines and store-bought cookies, crackers and cakes.
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.
The TLC diet recommends limiting serving sizes or replacing foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol with healthier options. Fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans and lentils), nuts, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy products, fish, poultry without the skin, and in moderate amounts, lean meats are good options.
Meanwhile, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fiber, and plant sterols may help lower cholesterol. To get the most accurate baseline, avoid high-fat foods for a few days before testing. Steer clear of fried dishes, full-fat dairy, fatty meat cuts, baked goods, and tropical oils.
Eat less fatty food
To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat. You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat. Check labels on food to see what type of fat it has in it.