Our body needs some cholesterol to make hormones and digest fatty foods. But too much raises the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

- LDL – or low-density lipoprotein, carries cholesterol to the cells that need it. But sometimes, there is too much LDL. This causes cholesterol to build up in the artery walls. LDL is often referred to as “bad cholesterol."

- HDL – or high-density lipoprotein absorbs bad cholesterol. HDL then carries it to the liver and removes it from circulation. HDL is often referred to as "good cholesterol”.

What is Hypercholesterolemia?

Hypercholesterolemia is a disorder known for an excess of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, in your blood.

When should we care?

High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol:

-          190 mg/dL or higher without other risk factors.

-          Higher than 160 mg/dL with another major risk factor.

-          Above 130 mg/dL with two risk factors.

What causes Hypercholesterolemia?

Common causes of high cholesterol include:

-         - Eaing a diet high in saturated fat and trans-fat, often found in animal meat and processed foods.
- Eating foods high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy.
- A lack of exercise.
- Tobacco products.
- Obstructive liver disease.
- Diabetes.
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic kidney failure.

How do we notice?

Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, usually has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many people with high cholesterol don't realize they have it until complications arise. However, as cholesterol levels increase, it can lead to the development of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in arteries), which can then cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In some cases, very high cholesterol can cause fatty deposits on the skin (xanthomas) or around the eyes (xanthelasma).

According to Ayurveda ?
Hypercholesterolemia is the corresponding output of micro channel disturbances

(Medovaha Srotodushti). According to Ayurveda, a person following Apathya like Avyayama (lack of exercise), Diwaswapna (day sleep) Madhura (sweet), Atimatra Ahara (excess food) and Beeja swabhavaj (hereditary) leads to microchannel disturbances. In due course of time, blockage of Medovaha Srotasa propagates defective tissue metabolism which leads to diseases and its associated disorders like Sthaulya (obesity), Premeha (diabetes), disorders of Ama (indigestion), and discomfort while urination.

How should we manage?
Hypercholesterolemia treatment involves bringing down your LDL level. You can do this in several ways:

- Exercising at least 45 minutes.

- Staying at a healthy weight.

- Eating foods low in saturated fat.

-  Lowering your stress level.

-  Taking cholesterol-lowering medications.

-   Avoiding tobacco products.

-  Controlling high blood pressure and blood sugar

In ayurvedha?
During the management of hypercholesterolemia, a kapha-medohara treatment as well as dietary measure along with promotion of digestive fire should be considered on priority basis. There are several ways to cover this, including procedures like snehapana, rookshana, udwarthana etc.

Dr. Babilu M.B (BAMS)
Medical Officer
Dr.P.Alikutty’s Ayurveda and Modern Hospital- Kottakal