Can cholesterol cause a heart attack? Well, this is a common question. But first, do you know what’s one of the leading causes of heart attacks? It’s not smoking, it’s not obesity, and it’s not even high blood pressure. It’s cholesterol!
How does cholesterol cause a heart attack?
Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. However, too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries, making them narrow and hard. This can lead to heart diseases such as heart attack, and stroke.
That’s right, cholesterol can cause heart attacks. And it’s not just any type of cholesterol that’s dangerous. It’s LDL cholesterol, which is also known as “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries, making them narrow and hard. This can restrict blood flow to your heart, which can lead to a heart attack.
How can you reduce your heart attack risk?
A high level of LDL cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart attack. If you have high cholesterol, you are more likely to develop plaque in your arteries. Plaque is a fatty substance that can build up and narrow your arteries. This can restrict blood flow to your heart, which can lead to a heart attack.
So, now you know that cholesterol may cause a heart attack. But luckily, there are a number of things you can do to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight. Calculate your BMI in a few steps now!
- Quitting smoking. Enjoy a free medical consultation to quit smoking.
- Taking medication, if necessary
If you have high cholesterol, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a plan to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack. Consult a doctor for free now!
More specific tips to lower your cholesterol
- Choose lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken, and beans.
- Limit saturated and trans fats. These fats are found in animal products, such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and some processed foods.
- Choose foods that are high in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans, and apples. Soluble fiber can help to lower LDL cholesterol.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and they are high in fiber.
- Limit your intake of alcohol. Alcohol can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
- If you have high cholesterol, it is important to make lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol. These changes can help to reduce your risk of heart attack and other health problems.
Be cautious
You know the answer to “Can cholesterol cause a heart attack?” and might be worried if you get one! Don’t panic, but it’s important to know the signs and symptoms so you can seek help right away. A heart attack is a medical emergency, and early treatment can save your life. Common symptoms include
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain in the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Sweating
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.