Can high cholesterol cause a stroke? In general, yes, high cholesterol is one of the most common causes of stroke. However, not all cholesterol is bad. In fact, the body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function optimally.
To help you better understand the link between high cholesterol and stroke, this article will tell you how cholesterol affects stroke risk and how you can effectively lower cholesterol levels.
The link between high cholesterol and stroke
Cholesterol seems to have a bad reputation because it is associated with many health risks, including stroke risk. But did you know that you need a certain amount of cholesterol to live?
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in all the cells of your body. Some cholesterol is necessary to perform important functions in the body, such as the production of vitamin D, bile acids and hormones.
The liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, but cholesterol is also found in the foods you eat. Cholesterol is generally attributed to foods that come from animals, such as dairy products and meat.
Eating too much cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, including the arteries in your brain, which can cause a stroke. Plaque buildup makes it harder for blood to flow freely and increases the risk of an artery becoming clogged. When this happens in the brain, it is called an ischemic stroke.
For this reason, it is important to control high cholesterol to prevent stroke.
But not all cholesterol is bad! In the following section, we explain the differences between "good" and "bad" cholesterol and how they affect stroke risk.
'Good' vs. 'bad' cholesterol and stroke risk.
There are two different types of cholesterol - HDL (high-density lipoproteins) and LDL (low-density lipoproteins) - and both affect your stroke risk in different ways.
LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol that can build up on the walls of your arteries if consumed in excess. If not properly treated, it can develop into a condition called atherosclerosis. This is a major risk factor for stroke, which is characterized by narrowing of the arteries.
HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is the "good" cholesterol. It acts as a healthy scavenger, transporting bad LDL away from the arteries to the liver, where it is broken down.
It is known that high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke. By taking proactive steps to lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol (which we will discuss later in this article), you can effectively reduce your risk of stroke.
How to lower high cholesterol to reduce your risk of stroke.
If you have high cholesterol, it is imperative that you make lifestyle changes to lower your risk of stroke. Even the most seemingly minor changes can have a significant impact on your overall health.
Below are some steps you can take to lower your cholesterol:
1) Adjust your diet.
One of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make to lower high cholesterol and promote heart health is to change your diet.
Foods rich in soluble fiber have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Therefore, try to eat more high-fiber foods such as beans, oats, fruits, and vegetables.
If you do not have time to pack in high-fiber foods, you can try incorporating psyllium fiber (commonly known as Metamucil) into your diet. Try mixing it into a fruit smoothie for a double boost.
Another highly effective way to lower LDL cholesterol is to limit your consumption of saturated fats such as butter, fatty red meats and palm oil.
Also, watch out for the ingredient "partially hydrogenated fat" on your food labels, as this is a nasty, artery-clogging trans fat that you should avoid at all costs.
2) Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise and higher levels of physical activity are another great way to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke.
Physical activity increases HDL levels, which helps keep LDL cholesterol from accumulating in your arteries.
3) Maintain a healthy weight
People who are overweight or obese tend to have higher LDL and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
By watching what you eat and increasing your physical activity, you can achieve a healthy weight and effectively lower your risk of high cholesterol and stroke.
4) Give up smoking
There is a strong link between smoking and cardiovascular disease. Frequent smoking is even associated with increased LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
This study of 1,504 smokers found that quitting smoking led to an increase in HDL cholesterol. While no significant changes were observed in LDL cholesterol, the increase in HDL cholesterol alone can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5) Ask your doctor about medications.
Your doctor may prescribe a drug called statins to control your cholesterol and stroke risk. Statins inhibit the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver and increase HDL levels.
Remember, just because you are taking medication for high cholesterol does not mean you need to stop making lifestyle changes. While medications can help lower cholesterol levels, developing healthy lifestyle habits plays a critical role in preventing other chronic diseases, such as stroke.
High cholesterol and stroke: key points.
Since high cholesterol is one of the main causes of stroke, proper treatment is essential.
High cholesterol increases the buildup of plaque in the arteries. When plaque accumulates in the arteries of the brain, there is a significant risk of clots that can cause a stroke.
By living a healthier lifestyle under the guidance of your doctor, you can safely and effectively lower high cholesterol and reduce your risk of stroke. Good luck!