Cholesterol and Stroke: What’s the Real Link?

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material or substance that is one type of lipid carried in your blood. When the amount of fats or lipids increases above the normal amount, it is known as high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia.

For proper functioning, your body requires the ideal quantity of lipids. If you consume too many, your body won't be able to utilize all the fats. The extra fat begins to accumulate in your arteries, where it develops into plaque (fatty deposits) when it combines with other substances in your blood.

There are two types of cholesterol that can be found in the blood:

Good Cholesterol: This refers to high-density lipoproteins (HDL) present in the blood, which prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the blood vessels.

Bad Cholesterol: This refers to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) present in the blood; it is the leading cause of cholesterol buildup in the arteries and can lead to circulatory system issues, which may result in a heart attack or stroke.

For many years, this bad cholesterol deposition may not create any issues, but it gradually grows larger inside your arteries. For this reason, high cholesterol that remains untreated can be harmful. Without your knowledge, the excess lipids in your blood contribute to the growth of plaque. A blood test is the only method to determine whether you have high cholesterol.

Relationship Between Cholesterol and Stroke

A high cholesterol level or bad cholesterol may raise the chance of having a stroke. Blood flow to the brain becomes narrowed by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries, caused by excessive cholesterol, which lowers the oxygen level that reaches the brain. Additionally, blood flow decreases, which causes the blockage and ultimately leads to a stroke. Talking, walking, breathing, and movement issues can arise when a portion of the brain does not get enough oxygen.

Studies have established that decreasing low-density lipids, or bad cholesterol, to a very low level lowers the risk of stroke; however, it is unclear whether this reduction would result in a continual decline in the risk of stroke.

About forty percent of people who have had a stroke will have another in the next ten years. Lowering LDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of another stroke.

High-density lipids or lipoproteins are “good” cholesterol. It protects against stroke and heart disease.

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What Causes High Cholesterol?

• Cigarette Smoking or Tobacco Consumption increases the risk of high cholesterol by decreasing the amount of good cholesterol.
• Stress: Stress causes changes in hormones that will lead to high cholesterol.
• A Sedentary Lifestyle prevents the body to from producing the required amount of healthy cholesterol.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive amounts of alcohol increase the amount of bad cholesterol.
• Unhealthy Diet: An unhealthy diet or more calorie intake increases the fat deposition in the blood vessels, which will cause diseases like stroke.

Strategies to Lower the High Cholesterol Level to Decrease the Risk of Stroke

Healthy Diet: Cut excessive consumption of fat. Eat heart-healthy foods rich with omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, herring, walnuts and flaxseeds.

Increase Physical Activity: Studies have shown that at least thirty minutes of exercise five times a week or vigorous aerobic activity for twenty minutes three times a week is beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the amount of good cholesterol(HDL).

Weight Loss: Adding physical activity will help you lose weight. Even adding some basic activity helps to lose weight, like

Daily walk: Playing your favorite sport for at least half an hour using bicycle

Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking can be highly beneficial for your good cholesterol levels. Use some classes that will help you quit smoking.

Drink a Smaller Amount of Alcohol: Excessive alcohol can cause major health issues, including high blood pressure, heart failure and strokes.

Know more about Lifestyle Changes to Prevent a Stroke