High cholesterol: symptoms and how to lower it

High cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many people have it without realising, because in most cases it does not cause obvious symptoms. In this article, we explain what high cholesterol is, when it is considered elevated, what the symptoms of high cholesterol may be and how to reduce it effectively.

What is cholesterol and when is it considered high?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found naturally in the body that plays important roles, such as helping to form hormones and cell membranes.

However, when cholesterol levels rise in the bloodstream, we refer to it as high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is considered high when:

• Total cholesterol: over 200 mg/dL.
• High LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol): over 130 mg/dL.
• High HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol): in this case, a higher level is positive because it helps protect the cardiovascular system.

The problem appears when there is an excess of LDL, because it can build up in the arteries and increase cardiovascular risk.

The difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol

To understand the risk more clearly, it is important to distinguish between:

• High LDL cholesterol: known as "bad" cholesterol, it carries cholesterol towards the arteries and encourages build-up.
• High HDL cholesterol: known as "good" cholesterol, it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body.

Symptoms of high cholesterol

One of the biggest issues with cholesterol is that it is often silent. Even so, some symptoms of high cholesterol may appear in more advanced stages:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Cramps in the limbs
• Circulatory problems

High cholesterol: how to lower it

If you are wondering how to lower high cholesterol, the key is to change habits and stay consistent.

1. Healthy eating: reduce saturated fat intake and eat more foods such as fruit and vegetables, pulses, oily fish and fibre.

2. Exercise: regular physical activity helps raise HDL and reduce LDL.

3. Weight control: being overweight is directly linked to elevated cholesterol levels.

4. Avoid smoking and alcohol: both have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system.

How can you lower cholesterol naturally?

Many people look for natural ways to lower cholesterol, and several active ingredients may help:

• Red yeast rice
• Policosanols
• Garlic
• Omega 3

These ingredients can help maintain normal cholesterol levels when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

What can you take for high cholesterol?

Arkopharma Arkosterol Plus

Arkosterol Plus is a food supplement designed to help maintain normal cholesterol levels naturally. Its formula combines ingredients such as red yeast rice (rich in monacolins), coenzyme Q10, policosanols and extracts of black garlic and coriander.

These ingredients help regulate cholesterol and support cardiovascular health. It is also a 100% plant-based option and easy to take, with one capsule a day.

High cholesterol does not always cause symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are so important. Understanding when cholesterol is high, knowing the difference between LDL and HDL, and following strategies to reduce it can make a real difference.

Natural options such as Arkosterol can be a helpful complement within a healthy lifestyle.