High Cholesterol Levels (Hypercholesterolemia)

Brief Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for building healthy cells. However, when cholesterol levels in the blood become too high, it can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This narrows the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through, which significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol, as it contributes to the fatty buildup in arteries.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good" cholesterol, as it helps transport excess cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body.

High cholesterol often has no symptoms and is typically diagnosed through a blood test.

Traditional Names in AYUSH Systems

• Ayurveda: High cholesterol is not a specific disease entity but is a symptom of an underlying imbalance, often referred to as a Kapha imbalance or Medoroga (a disease of fat metabolism).
• Unani: It is known as Rizahat-ul-Dam (excess fats in the blood) and is associated with imbalances in the Balgham (phlegm) humour.
• Siddha: The condition is referred to as Kaba Noi and is linked to the excess of Aiyam (phlegm) and Azhal (heat) in the body.

 

Causes & Risk Factors

High cholesterol can be a result of a combination of factors, including lifestyle, genetics, and other health conditions.

• Unhealthy Diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats (found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods) is a major contributor. These fats increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
• Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can lower HDL ("good") cholesterol levels and lead to weight gain, both of which are risk factors.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese, particularly with excess fat around the waist, can increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them more susceptible to fatty buildup. It also lowers HDL cholesterol.
• Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia), which can lead to dangerously high levels from a young age.
• Other Health Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and an underactive thyroid can contribute to high cholesterol.

Key Symptoms / Signs

High cholesterol is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it typically presents no symptoms until it leads to serious complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. However, in rare cases, extremely high levels of cholesterol can be visible through:

• Xanthomas: Small, waxy, yellow patches or bumps on the skin, often around the eyelids.
• Xanthelasma: Similar yellow patches on the eyelids themselves.

These are not common and their absence does not mean cholesterol levels are healthy. The only way to know for sure is through a routine blood test (lipid panel).

AYUSH & CAM Approaches

AYUSH and CAM modalities offer a holistic approach to managing high cholesterol by focusing on diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies. The primary goals are to improve metabolism, reduce stress, and cleanse the body of accumulated toxins.

Core Modalities

• Ayurveda: According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol is often linked to an imbalance of the Kapha dosha, which governs fat metabolism and accumulation. Key herbs used to balance Kapha and improve fat metabolism include Guggulu, Arjuna, Triphala, and Fenugreek. Garlic and Turmeric are also widely used for their lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Naturopathy: This modality emphasizes the body's self-healing capabilities through natural methods. A naturopath will focus on a diet rich in soluble fiber and healthy fats, with a strong emphasis on plant-based foods.
• Unani: Unani treatment focuses on cleansing the body of excess Balgham and improving circulation. Practitioners may prescribe specific herbal remedies and dietary modifications based on a person's temperament (Mizaj).
• Siddha: Treatment aims to balance the Aiyam and Azhal humours. Siddha practitioners use a combination of herbal medicines and specialized dietary advice to improve fat metabolism and cleanse the system.

Supportive CAM Therapies

• Acupuncture / Acupressure: Practitioners target specific points on the body to regulate metabolism, improve the function of the liver (which processes cholesterol), and enhance circulation.
• Reflexology: Applying pressure to specific foot points corresponding to the liver, gallbladder, and digestive system can stimulate these organs to improve their function and aid in the breakdown of fats.
• Aromatherapy: Using essential oils like rosemary, ginger, and lemon can help stimulate the circulatory and digestive systems, supporting metabolism and detoxification.
• Magnet Therapy / PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field): This therapy uses magnetic fields to improve blood circulation and cellular health, which can support overall cardiovascular function.

Mind-Body & Stress Management

• Meditation & Mindfulness: Regular practice helps lower stress levels. Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can raise cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Qigong & T'ai chi ch'uan: These gentle, flowing exercises improve circulation, support weight management, and reduce stress—all of which are crucial for managing cholesterol.
• Reiki / Pranic Healing: These energy healing modalities focus on balancing the body's energy flow and can be used to promote a sense of calm and well-being, particularly in the heart and circulatory system.

Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations

Diet and lifestyle are the cornerstones of managing cholesterol, regardless of the treatment approach.

Diet:

• Increase Soluble Fiber: Incorporate foods like oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, and citrus fruits. Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol and helps remove it from the body.
• Choose Healthy Fats: Replace saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Use olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
• Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, these fats can help lower triglycerides and support heart health.
• Limit Processed Foods: Avoid commercially baked goods, fried foods, and highly processed snacks that are often high in unhealthy fats and added sugars.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support metabolic and detoxification processes.

Lifestyle:

• Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, most days of the week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant positive impact on cholesterol levels.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both habits have a detrimental effect on cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health.

Preventive Care / Self-Management Tips

• Regular Check-ups: Get your cholesterol levels checked regularly as advised by a healthcare professional.
• Mindful Eating: Pay attention to food labels to identify and avoid saturated and trans fats.
• Cooking Methods: Choose healthier cooking methods like baking, broiling, and steaming over frying.
• Herbal Teas: Consider including teas made from ginger, green tea, or coriander seeds in your daily routine.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While AYUSH and CAM can be highly effective for managing cholesterol, it is crucial to work in conjunction with your medical doctor.

• Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness on one side of the body, or severe headache.
• Consult with a conventional doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine if medication is necessary, especially for inherited conditions or severely high levels.
• Do not stop or alter any prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, even when incorporating AYUSH or CAM therapies. These modalities are often most effective as a complementary approach to conventional medical care.