HDL is a “good” cholesterol

Cholesterol medications, such as statins, reduce the liver’s production of cholesterol and increase its removal from the bloodstream, which lowers blood cholesterol level

To reduce triglycerides, healthy lifestyles are recommended, such as regular exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, a healthy diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats, and medication as directed by a doctor if necessary.

The condition of the blood vessels is often examined with ultrasound, which provides information about the structure of the vessels and blood flow. Blood pressure measurement and blood tests that measure cholesterol and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are also important.

An adult should consume less than 200 mg of cholesterol per day from the diet.

Cholesterol is too high when total cholesterol is over 5 mmol/l, LDL cholesterol over 3 mmol/l, or HDL cholesterol is below 1 mmol/l for men and below 1,2 mmol/l for women.

Cholesterol can be lowered by eating healthily, reducing the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, increasing the amount of fiber-rich foods in the diet, and regular physical activity.

LDL cholesterol is considered too high when its concentration in the blood exceeds 3 mmol/L. High LDL levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, so managing them is important for health.

It is recommended that cholesterol be measured at least once every five years for healthy adults. Those in risk groups and those on cholesterol medication should have their cholesterol measured more frequently.

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases includes healthy lifestyle habits: a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption. It is also important to regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.

Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through the liver, which converts it into bile. Bile aids in the digestion of fats and is expelled from the body with the feces.

Cholesterol levels can rise quickly, even within a few days, if the diet includes a lot of foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats.

Coronary artery disease is usually diagnosed with a cardiac stress test, ECG (electrocardiogram), and blood tests that measure cardiac markers. Sometimes imaging studies such as heart ultrasound or computed tomography are also used.

LDL cholesterol can be lowered by reducing the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet, increasing fiber, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities is typically diagnosed through a clinical examination conducted by a doctor and various diagnostic tests. The most common tests include the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which measures blood pressure in the ankle and arm, and Doppler ultrasound, which assesses blood flow in the arteries. More detailed imaging methods such as angiography may also be used if necessary to provide a detailed view of the condition of the vessels.

Total cholesterol is calculated by adding together the HDL, LDL, and 20 percent of the triglyceride value. This provides an overview of the blood cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol medication can be started when lifestyle changes are not sufficient to lower high cholesterol levels and the person has an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

HDL cholesterol can be increased by adding healthy fats to the diet, such as nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish, as well as regular aerobic exercise.

Cholesterol levels can start to drop within a few weeks of lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. With medication, changes can be seen even faster.