This Morning's Dr Chris discusses the signs of high cholesterol
High cholesterol can lay the foundation for serious health problems, ranging from heart disease to stroke.
Therefore, the fatty substance needs to be kept in check in order to avoid these problems from developing.
While high cholesterol isn’t one for making a grand entrance, it can ring alarm bells once it starts to build up.
Fortunately, Dr Emeka Okorocha has shared a red flag sign that could hold clues.
Dr Okorocha said: “Over time, high levels of cholesterol can lead to many different health issues which may present symptoms.
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“High cholesterol essentially means that the level of lipids, or fats, in the blood is too high.
“With too many lipids, these start to build up around the body. High cholesterol levels lead to fatty build-ups in arteries, narrowing them and leading to decreased blood flow.
“As arteries become more clogged, this may lead to chest pain.”
However, the doctor noted that the fatty substance doesn’t trigger many warning signs in most cases.
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Therefore, the most reliable way of determining your levels remains a blood test.
“It’s important to monitor your levels well before serious problems present,” Dr Okorocha added.
Once you get this diagnosis confirmed, there are many ways to keep the fatty substance in check, including a healthy diet.
“The most important thing that everyone can do for healthy cholesterol levels is to maintain a healthy lifestyle through healthy eating and exercise,” the doctor said.
He recommended opting for berries, in particular, blackberries as they can “significantly” reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol.
Dr Okorocha said: “This is because they’re rich in a number of polyphenols – compounds which help reduce cholesterol build-up and decrease the risk of heart disease.
“Plus, they’re easy to fit into your diet, whether that’s sprinkling them on your breakfast, blending them into a smoothie, giving some depth to a savoury dish or enjoying them in their raw state.”
The doctor is fronting Love Fresh Berries, a campaign to encourage the nation to eat fresh berries as part of a healthy diet. Visit lovefreshberries.co.uk recipes for nutritional information and recipes.
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