Cholesterol Levels with Rising Age
As we age, our bodies undergo multiple changes, many of which impact our cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Age significantly influences cholesterol levels, and understanding these changes can help manage them which is crucial for maintaining heart health throughout the aging process.
How Aging Impacts Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is an imperative substance in the body with important roles in maintaining health. An individual should be aware of their cholesterol numbers and to manage the levels, they should follow certain instructions and lower their bad cholesterol and total cholesterol. It isn’t bad but there are different types of cholesterol that can impact health in many ways. If the body has too much of ‘bad cholesterol’ then you are at a risk of many heart problems as the wrong type of cholesterol increases the risk of heart problems like coronary artery disease, where narrowing of the vessels decreases blood flow to the heart.
Cholesterol is a fat in the blood that the body needs to build cells and produce hormones. It travels around your body in the bloodstream, but as it could not move on its own, it moves around with the help of fat carriers known as Lipoproteins. There are three types: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL).
As you get older, your risk of heart disease due to high cholesterol increases and the levels also change naturally. With the rising age, the cholesterol levels tend to get affected:
- LDL Cholesterol Levels Tend to Rise- As you age, LDL cholesterol is more likely to increase which is often called “bad cholesterol”. This can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal changes and slower metabolism. High LDL cholesterol levels contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, which heightens the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
- HDL Cholesterol Levels Tend to Drop- HDL cholesterol which is usually called “good cholesterol” often declines with age. It plays a critical role in removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver to get wasted. Declining HDL cholesterol means reducing the ability to clear LDL cholesterol, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Increased Triglycerides- Another type of fat found in the blood which often rises with age. This increase brings changes in metabolism, weight gain, and reduced physical activity. High triglycerides levels are associated with a higher risk of heart diseases and metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of heart diseases.
- Hormonal Changes- The rising age can have impacts on cholesterol levels, particularly if you are a woman. In women, the decrease in estrogen levels after menopause often leads to increased LDL cholesterol. Estrogen in women acts as a protective hormone to fight the high level of LDL cholesterol. Men also experience changes in their lipid profiles as they age.
Ways to Manage Cholesterol Levels as You Age
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet- The diet plays a major role in managing cholesterol levels. Focus on incorporating heart-healthy foods into your meals. Eat as many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins as you can. Add foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans, and apples, they can help lower LDL cholesterol. Choose sources of unsaturated and healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil, which can boost HDL cholesterol.
- Stay Active- Regular workout is one of the most effective ways to manage cholesterol levels. Aim for a 30 minutes of moderate workout everyday such as, running, cycling, swimming, etc. Additionally, incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days a week to enhance overall health and metabolism.
- Lose Your Weight- Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing cholesterol levels. Overweight can negatively impact your lipid profile and increase the risk of heart disease. Combining a balanced diet with regular exercise can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Even modest weight loss can have a significant impact on improving cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption- Drinking too much alcohol might raise triglyceride levels and cause other health problems. It's crucial to drink alcohol in moderation which means no more than one drink for women and two for men every day.
- Stop Smoking- Smoking negatively impacts cardiovascular health and cholesterol levels. It raises the risk of heart disease by damaging blood arteries and lowering HDL cholesterol. Giving up smoking can enhance total heart health and HDL levels.
- Monitor Cholesterol Levels- As you get older, changes in your lipid levels must be monitored. Regular cholesterol screenings are crucial for this. These tests assist in determining your risk of heart disease and give important information about your cholesterol levels.
- Take Medication if Required- Changing one's lifestyle on its own might not be enough for some people to control their cholesterol levels. In certain situations, doctors may recommend statins or other drugs to help lower LDL cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. To make an educated choice, it's critical to go over the advantages and possible drawbacks of any medicine with your doctor.
By implementing these strategies, individuals can better manage their cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with aging.
Conclusion
Aging naturally influences cholesterol levels, but by adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can effectively manage these changes and reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels naturally rise throughout adult life and reach a peak in our sixties and seventies. This could be partly due to changes in weight, activity levels and lifestyles as we get older. The older you are, the greater the risk of diseases. Hence, embrace a balanced diet, stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid harmful activities like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a healthier life.
