Our health is a great blessing. Keeping this fact in mind lets we discuss a relatively common health issue, which is extensively faced by our population – high cholesterol. People assume preventive measures, observe diet modifications, avoid sedentary lifestyle and use medicine for high cholesterol.

Before moving ahead, we must have a brief account of high cholesterol in general so that we can be able to understand the nature of cholesterol, its pros and cons and clinical significance of adequate cholesterol levels in the body. Later, we will see some effective medicine for cholesterol. Let’s dig in!

Cholesterol and its Types

Having an overview, cholesterol is a natural fat-like, waxy compound, comes under the umbrella of Lipids that is existing in the human body. Its normal levels are essential to sustain (normal) physiological activity of body cells. But its high levels are injurious to health.

Cholesterol is of two types i.e. Good Cholesterol and Bad Cholesterol. The term Good Cholesterol usually represents ‘High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)’. Oppositely, Bad Cholesterol represents Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL).

In the human body, normal good cholesterol (HDL) level is more than 50 to 60 mg /dl while normal range of LDL is below 100 mg/dl. LDL tends to flow with the blood stream due to its low molecular density and hence exceeds its normal limit in blood and causes hypercholesterolemia. Conversely, HDL, due to its high molecular density, likes to travel towards specific tissues, called adipose tissues (khaliyyat shahmiyya) for its deposition.

Different medicine for cholesterol are used to control, as it’s manageable and can be controlled but cannot be fully eradicated.

Disadvantages of Elevated Plasma Cholesterol

High cholesterol level is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (heart) diseases and stroke. Increased levels of cholesterol, free flowing through the bloodstream, keeps sticking on the walls of small blood vessels of the heart, brain and others as well. This process is known as Atherosclerosis and collected material on the walls of blood vessels is called Plaque. Subsequently plaque causes narrowing of blood vessels and resultant hindrance in blood flow. Deprivation of blood flow and compromised perfusion causes serious damages to the victim organ.

Later on, we invariably left with cardiovascular diseases and Stroke attacks.

Diagnostic Approach for Hypercholesterolemia:

Cholesterol levels can be checked easily from any pathological laboratory. Fasting Lipid Profile (FLP) is the test which consists of 5 to 6 parameters, including cholesterol levels.

In elderly patients and those who are at high risk of hypercholesterolemia, it is recommended to be checked regularly after every 1 to 2 years. However healthy adults can be subjected to fasting lipid profiles every 5 to 6 years.

Management of High Plasma Cholesterol

Dietary Modification

Cholesterol levels can be reduced by avoiding a high fat diet, by consuming vegetables and fruits.

Exercise

Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of high cholesterol levels. Brisk walk and regular exercise help to prevent high cholesterol levels.

Medicines for High Cholesterol

Ispaghol Saboos

Ispaghol Saboos is Herbal Greek Medicine used for hypercholesterolemia and diet, collectively reduce numbers of cholesterol.

Safoof Mehzil

Safoof Mehzil not only reduces high cholesterol levels but also reduces deposited fats in the human body and helps to get rid of obesity.

Qalab e Rawan

Qalab e Rawan is a Unani (Greek) Herbal Medicine for high cholesterol level. It prevents atherosclerosis, hence reduces the chances of heart attack and stroke also reduces weight.

Sytrinol

Sytrinol is an herbal formula for lowering cholesterol level in blood. It includes Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs) extracted from citrus and palm tocotrienols, milk thistle and alpha lipoic acid as key elements. These all components help to keep cholesterol and triglycerides within their normal ranges.

Milk thistle or Silybum Marianum

Milk Thistle or Silybum Marianum (Silymarin) is a flowering herb. Holy Thistle or Mary Thistle. Researches have shown that it not only improves plasma cholesterol level but also diabetes by affecting the liver and gallbladder.

Few years ago a clinical research was made with 50 patients of hypercholesterolemia and type 2 Diabetes.

Artichoke (Cynara scholium’s)

Artichoke (scientific name; cinema scholium’s) is also a herbal remedy for high cholesterol levels. It’s also clinical trial based medicine for reducing the number of LDL to normal.

Avocados:

Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) which is a good, high density cholesterol. By adding avocados to the diet, good cholesterol can replace bad cholesterol (saturated fats) which is found in meats.

Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fibre foods

Oatmeal, oat bran contain soluble fibre. Consumption of 5 to 10 grams of soluble fibre food (3 to 4 grams per serving) helps to reduce LDL level to normal. It absorbs fats from consumed diet and hinders its absorption from the intestine.

Almonds and other Nuts

Almonds and other nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acid and a good source of good cholesterol. By adding this to our daily diet, we can replace our bad cholesterol with good one.

Flaxseed

Lignan is a natural antioxidant component found in flaxseed, which decreases LDL level and prevents atherosclerosis. Omega 3 found in flaxseed is also a very beneficial component to avoid cardiovascular diseases.

Garlic

Garlic is simply a kitchen item, invariably used in our daily meals. It is a powerful HMG Co a Reductase Inhibitor. Garlic naturally inhibits its activity and reduces cholesterol synthesis. It also reduces Chylomicrons, a cholesterol carrying protein which is an essential component of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of cholesterol play a key role in cardiovascular diseases and strokes. To maintain its normal levels is crucial to maintain health. Dietary modifications, regular exercises and medicines for high cholesterol accounts for healthy and quality life. We must use high fibre diets, cholesterol kam karny ka Unani ilaaj and observe other preventive measures to lower cholesterol levels and avoid major health risks in order to live a quality life.