Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance for the body, as it plays a role in hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and the formation of cell membranes. Although it is necessary for proper bodily function, elevated cholesterol levels can put cardiovascular health at risk.
At Euromedica Diagnostic Centers, prevention and early diagnosis are key pillars of the care we provide. That is why we inform and guide every individual to effectively monitor their cholesterol levels.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol circulates in the blood bound to lipoproteins and is divided into two main categories:
- LDL – “Bad” cholesterol
LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to the tissues. When present at high levels, it can accumulate on the walls of arteries and contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- HDL – “Good” cholesterol
HDL removes excess cholesterol from the blood and transports it to the liver for elimination. High HDL levels are considered protective for cardiovascular health.
- Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another important lipid marker. Elevated levels, especially when combined with high LDL, further increase cardiovascular risk.
Why does cholesterol increase?
Several factors can lead to hypercholesterolemia:
- Heredity (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Diet rich in saturated and trans fats
- Low physical activity
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism
- Stress and a sedentary lifestyle
What are the symptoms?
The most concerning aspect of high cholesterol is that it has no symptoms. It is usually detected only through blood tests. This is why prevention, through regular check-ups, is so important.
Health risks
When cholesterol remains high for a long period of time, it may cause:
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Stroke
- Peripheral arterial disease
Early intervention can significantly reduce these risks.
How can cholesterol be managed?
1. Adopting a healthy diet
- Limit saturated fats and fried foods.
- Prefer olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, and fiber-rich foods.
- Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products.
2. Regular physical activity
150 minutes of exercise per week are enough to significantly improve the lipid profile.
3. Weight control
4. Smoking cessation
5. Medical monitoring and pharmacological treatment
In cases where lifestyle changes are not sufficient, the treating physician may recommend medications such as statins or other specialized therapies.
Regular testing makes the difference
At Euromedica, we offer comprehensive lipid profile blood tests, using modern equipment and high-quality standards. Regular monitoring is the first step in preventing serious cardiovascular diseases.
Schedule your preventive check-up today at Euromedica Diagnostic Centers and take an important step toward protecting your heart health.