Cholesterol levels are a common concern for many people, especially when trying to maintain heart health. But what happens when your cholesterol levels are too high? Unchecked high cholesterol can silently increase your risk for serious health issues like heart disease and stroke. That’s why understanding your cholesterol levels and getting accurate tests is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, it’s also important to be aware of the causes of false high cholesterol tests that could affect your diagnosis.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood that plays a vital role in the body’s function. It helps build cells and produce certain hormones, but too much can cause problems. When cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can lead to blockages, increasing your risk of heart disease or stroke. There are two types:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, LDL contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): This is the “good” cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Having high LDL or total cholesterol can put your health at risk. Below is a table that outlines the different cholesterol levels and what they mean:
| Type | Healthy Level | At Risk | Dangerously High |
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 mg/dL | 200-239 mg/dL | 240 mg/dL and above |
| LDL (Bad Cholesterol) | Less than 100 mg/dL | 100-159 mg/dL | 160 mg/dL and above |
| HDL (Good Cholesterol) | 60 mg/dL or higher | 40-59 mg/dL (acceptable) | Less than 40 mg/dL (low) |
| Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL | 150-199 mg/dL | 200 mg/dL and above |
It’s important to regularly monitor your cholesterol levels, as high cholesterol usually presents no obvious symptoms until complications occur.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
There are several factors that contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Some are controllable, while others are due to genetics or lifestyle choices. Below are some primary causes of high cholesterol:
- Diet – Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as processed snacks, red meat, and full-fat dairy products, can contribute to increased levels.
- Genetics – For some people, increased cholesterol levels is hereditary. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes the body to produce too much cholesterol, regardless of diet.
- Lack of Physical Activity – A sedentary lifestyle can lead to higher LDL and lower HDL, contributing to poor heart health.
- Obesity – Excess weight is linked to higher levels of LDL and lower levels of HDL, increasing the risk.
- Smoking – Smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup from LDL.
- Aging – As you age, your liver becomes less efficient at removing LDL from your body, increasing your risk of excessive cholesterol.
- Certain Medical Conditions – Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can also affect your levels.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is often called a “silent condition” because it typically doesn’t present obvious symptoms until it leads to serious health complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. Many people may have it for years without knowing it, which is why routine testing is so important.
However, in some cases, people with extremely high levels may notice signs of cholesterol-related complications. Here are a few possible warning signs that might indicate dangerously high cholesterol levels:
- Chest Pain (Angina): This can occur due to reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Xanthomas: Fatty deposits may form under the skin, often visible around the eyes, elbows, or knees.
- Yellowish Deposits in the Eyes: Some people may develop yellowish cholesterol deposits around their eyelids.
What Causes False High Cholesterol Tests?
While high cholesterol tests are typically accurate, there are cases where results may be falsely elevated. Several factors can contribute to false high cholesterol tests, and it’s important to understand these potential causes:
- Recent Illness or Stress: If you’ve recently been ill or experienced significant stress, your cholesterol levels may be temporarily elevated.
- Improper Fasting: Many cholesterol tests require fasting for 9-12 hours prior to the test. Eating during this period, even a small amount, can lead to inaccurate results.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids or birth control pills, can increase cholesterol levels.
- Laboratory Errors: In rare cases, errors in blood sample handling or testing procedures can result in false readings.
If your test results are unexpectedly high, your healthcare provider may recommend retesting after addressing these potential issues. Always consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Prevention Tips
Preventing high cholesterol involves making simple yet effective lifestyle changes. Here are some practical tips to help manage and maintain healthy cholesterol levels:
- Focus on a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and eliminate trans fats, commonly found in processed foods.
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can help raise HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol).
- If you smoke, quitting can improve your HDL levels and enhance overall heart health. Smoking cessation also reduces your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions.
- Losing even a small amount of weight can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels and overall well-being.
- Schedule regular cholesterol screenings to monitor your levels. Early detection of high cholesterol can prevent long-term complications.
Treatment Options at +MEDRITE
If your cholesterol levels are high, +MEDRITE Urgent Care offers quick and reliable services for cholesterol testing, retesting, and ongoing management.
Medications
- Statins: These are the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering LDL cholesterol.
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors: These medications help prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol from the food you eat.
- Bile-Acid Binding Resins: These drugs help the body use excess cholesterol to make bile, thereby reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
Regular Monitoring and Retesting
If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol or if your test results were unexpectedly high, +MEDRITE offers convenient and reliable retesting services to ensure your levels are accurately monitored.
Managing cholesterol levels is crucial to maintaining long-term health and preventing conditions like heart disease and stroke. While understanding your risk factors is important, it’s also essential to be aware of potential causes of false high cholesterol test results. Retesting and consulting a healthcare professional can help ensure accurate results and provide peace of mind.
At +MEDRITE, we offer comprehensive testing and personalized care plans to help you manage your cholesterol effectively. If you’re concerned about your levels or need a follow-up consultation, we encourage you to visit us. Our experienced team is ready to provide expert care tailored to your needs.
Take control of your health today by scheduling a consultation at +MEDRITE. You can pre-register for your appointment here for quick and convenient service.