High Cholesterol

Learn about High Cholesterol, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options at Blume Health.

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What Causes It?

Genetic predisposition (South Asians have 2-3x higher risk)

High saturated fat intake from traditional cooking oils and ghee

Sedentary lifestyle and increased urbanization

Diabetes and insulin resistance (common in Indian populations)

Low HDL cholesterol levels (genetic trait in Indians)

Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and processed foods

Stress and modern lifestyle factors

Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity

Family history of heart disease

Age (risk increases after 40, especially in Indian men)

Signs & Symptoms

Often no symptoms until complications develop

Chest pain or angina from blocked arteries

Shortness of breath during physical activity

Fatigue and weakness

Xanthomas (yellowish fatty deposits) on skin or eyelids

Corneal arcus (gray or white ring around iris)

Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Dizziness or unsteady gait

Slurred speech (if stroke occurs)

Left-sided chest pressure or fullness

How We Diagnose

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and assess your condition

Lipid Profile Blood Test

Complete lipid panel measuring total cholesterol, LDL (bad), HDL (good), and triglycerides after 9-12 hours fasting. For Indians, optimal LDL should be <70 mg/dL due to higher cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

Evaluation using risk calculators considering South Asian ethnicity, family history, diabetes status, and other risk factors. INTERHEART study shows Indians have unique risk patterns.

Physical Examination

Medical history assessment including family history of heart disease, diabetes, and lifestyle factors. Physical examination for xanthomas, corneal arcus, and signs of cardiovascular disease.

Treatment Options

Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition

1

Statin Medications

First-line treatment with atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin to reduce LDL cholesterol by 30-50%. Dosage may need adjustment based on Indian genetic variations in drug metabolism.

2

Ezetimibe

Cholesterol absorption inhibitor that can be used alone or with statins to further reduce LDL levels by blocking intestinal cholesterol absorption.

3

PCSK9 Inhibitors

Injectable medications like evolocumab or alirocumab for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or those who cannot tolerate statins.

4

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Medications like cholestyramine that bind bile acids in intestines, forcing liver to use cholesterol to make more bile acids.

5

Fibrates

Particularly effective for high triglycerides common in Indians. Examples include fenofibrate and gemfibrozil.

Home Remedies

Garlic (Lasun)

2-3 fresh garlic cloves daily or garlic extract. Allicin in garlic helps reduce LDL cholesterol and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

1-2 fresh amla fruits daily or amla juice. Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, studies show it can lower cholesterol as effectively as some medications.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul)

Traditional Ayurvedic herb containing guggulsterones that help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Take as directed by Ayurvedic practitioner.

Turmeric (Haldi)

1 teaspoon turmeric powder daily in warm milk or food. Curcumin reduces plaque formation and cholesterol levels.

Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya)

Boil 1-2 teaspoons coriander seeds in water, strain and drink daily. Helps stimulate fat breakdown and improve digestion.

Green Tea

2-3 cups daily rich in antioxidants that help reduce LDL cholesterol and prevent oxidation of cholesterol particles.

Arjuna Bark

Terminalia arjuna powder with warm water twice daily. Proven cardioprotective herb that strengthens heart muscle and reduces cholesterol.

Prevention Tips

Follow a heart-healthy Indian diet rich in whole grains, lentils, and vegetables

Use healthier cooking oils like mustard oil, sesame oil, or olive oil instead of coconut oil

Limit ghee, butter, and full-fat dairy products

Include omega-3 rich foods like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds

Practice regular physical activity - minimum 150 minutes moderate exercise weekly

Maintain healthy weight with BMI between 18.5-22.9 (lower range for Indians)

Manage diabetes and blood pressure effectively

Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Practice stress management through yoga, pranayama, and meditation

Get regular lipid profile screening every 1-2 years after age 35

Include fiber-rich foods like oats, barley, and whole grain rotis

Consume antioxidant-rich spices like turmeric, ginger, and holy basil daily

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our specialists are here to provide expert care for high cholesterol. Schedule your consultation today.

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