High cholesterol increases the risk of stroke and heart attack

>> The problem causes harm to the heart and the damage can be irreversible. In our country, about 350,000 people die every year due to cardiovascular diseases, which is equivalent to one death every two minutes. The risk factors for the onset of these diseases are numerous, and one of the main ones is the excess of bad cholesterol in the blood. According to cardiologist Kátia Vasconcellos, in most cases, the symptoms of high cholesterol are generally not identified, and the problem can only be detected through a blood test. However, excess bad cholesterol (LDL) can lead to artery blockage, including the carotid arteries, which supply blood flow to the brain, potentially causing a Stroke (AVC). At adequate levels, cholesterol is essential for the body. After all, it is responsible for nourishing and delivering oxygen to the cells, but at elevated levels, LDL can cause irreversible damage. "There are cholesterol levels that form fat plaques in the arteries, among them we have LDL cholesterol, non-HDL, and triglycerides; they can damage the artery walls, leading to their blockage and reducing blood flow to the heart and other organs. This reduction can lead to heart attacks and strokes, for example," said the doctor. The main causes that lead an individual to have excess bad cholesterol (LDL) are: family history; obesity; sedentary lifestyle; uncontrolled diabetes; diet rich in sweets and bad fats; excessive alcohol consumption; and smoking. "To identify the problem, it is important for a doctor to request a simple blood test. The sooner the problem is identified, the greater the chances of returning to acceptable levels. In some cases, especially genetic ones, medication is necessary in addition to diet and exercise," Kátia advised. The doctor also stated that the adequate levels of LDL, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), are those below 130 mg/dl. She also mentioned that the lower this number, the better. She warned that even thin people can suffer from the problem, especially when there are cases in the family. Diseases that can arise with high cholesterol: Heart attack or acute myocardial infarction: occurs when blood is blocked and cannot reach the heart. Without blood, the tissue loses oxygen and dies. It is undoubtedly one of the most serious consequences of blood vessel obstruction. Stroke (AVC): Having elevated cholesterol levels can be a risk factor for a person to have a stroke. The accident occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or drastically reduced. This causes the cells to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Some of the symptoms that may precede a stroke include weakness on one side of the body, loss of vision, difficulty speaking, and motor changes. Increased risk In Brazil, about 350,000 people die every year due to cardiovascular diseases, which is equivalent to one death every two minutes. The risk factors for the onset of these diseases are numerous, and one of the main ones is the excess of bad cholesterol in the blood. According to cardiologist Kátia Vasconcellos, in most cases, the symptoms of high cholesterol are generally not identified, and the problem can only be detected through a blood test. However, excess bad cholesterol (LDL) can lead to artery blockage, including the carotid arteries, which supply blood flow to the brain, potentially causing a Stroke (AVC). Diseases that can arise with high cholesterol: Heart attack or acute myocardial infarction: occurs when blood is blocked and cannot reach the heart. Without blood, the tissue loses oxygen and dies. It is undoubtedly one of the most serious consequences of blood vessel obstruction. Stroke (AVC): Having elevated cholesterol levels can be a risk factor for a person to have a stroke. The accident occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or drastically reduced. This causes the cells to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Some of the symptoms that may precede a stroke include weakness on one side of the body, loss of vision, difficulty speaking, and motor changes.