These yellow patches which may or may not be raised off the skin. They tend to be located above or below the eye, and often in both locations. They are a sign of cholesterol deposition under the skin. Note, however, that this only occurs in certain high cholesterol syndromes, and that the majority of cases of high cholesterol present with no signs or symptoms at all.
These often appear as bumps over the knuckles in your hands. There are often many of them present, and in more than one area at once. Again, this only occurs in certain high cholesterol syndromes, and the majority of cases of high cholesterol present with no signs or symptoms.
Therefore, even if you have no signs or symptoms, it is advisable to ask your doctor to screen your cholesterol levels at least every five years with a simple blood test (and more frequently if you have a family history of high cholesterol and/or other risk factors).
Eating an unhealthy diet high in fat and sugar Having a large waist circumference Being overweight or obese Living a sedentary life Smoking Being diagnosed with diabetes or cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease
It is a fasting blood test, meaning that you cannot eat or drink fluids other than water for nine to 12 hours prior to the blood test. You may eat and/or drink immediately following the blood test. For this reason, most people do the test first thing in the morning (following an overnight “fast”), and eat breakfast after the blood test is over.
HDL (“good”) cholesterol: below 40mg/dL for men or 50mg/dL for women is poor, 50–59mg/dL is better, and above 60mg/dL is best. Ironically, HDL cholesterol is the one value where the higher numbers are more desirable. LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: below 70–129mg/dL is desirable (the recommended value for you will depend on your overall health and other cardiovascular risk factors). 130–159mg/dL is considered borderline high, and above 160mg/dL is high. Total cholesterol: below 200mg/dL is desirable, 200–239mg/dL is borderline high, and above 240mg/dL is high. Triglycerides: below 150mg/dL is desirable, 150–199mg/dL is borderline high, and above 200mg/dL is high.
For children, an initial test is recommended between the ages of nine and 11. A second test is recommended between the ages of 17–21. Screening can then continue every five years thereafter, unless otherwise indicated.
Incorporating more aerobic exercise — three to five sessions of thirty minutes or more each week is recommended. Aerobic exercise includes things like swimming, biking, jogging, or brisk walking — anything that elevates your heart rate continuously for thirty minutes or more. Exercise specifically raises your HDL levels (good cholesterol), which helps to improve your overall cholesterol profile. Eating a healthier diet. Specifically, consuming more fruits and vegetables and reducing fat consumption can help to lower your cholesterol levels. Fiber in particular is one of the mainstay dietary changes to lower cholesterol, so try increasing sources of soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, and strawberries. [8] X Research source Losing weight if you are overweight or obese — talk to your doctor about healthy weight loss goals for you, and where your ideal body weight should be based on your height and build.
Once you begin medical treatment, your doctor will advise follow-up blood tests to monitor your cholesterol profile and the degree of improvement.
If you find that side effects of medication are a concern for you, you can ask your doctor for an alternative medication to try, as there are plenty of treatment options for elevated cholesterol.
