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Published on: Oct 01, 2021
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Why Is Cholesterol Management Important?

Why is cholesterol management important?

Cholesterol is a major component of cell membranes and provides rigidity, controls permeability, and regulates fat transport. It also helps regulate inflammation, homeostasis (balance), immune response, nerve signaling function, thyroid hormone activity, sex hormone activation/control/synthesis from complex proteins from ovarian follicles. Cholesterol is an essential structural component of all human cell membranes and also supports all other cell functions—and without sufficient dietary intake or production by the liver that amount in the bloodstream declines.

Cholesterol can cause arterial plaque buildup which is one of the main underlying causes of heart disease. It also encourages the formation of an atherosclerotic deposit. Since cholesterol-rich atheromatous plaques are less stable than normal vessels, they are prone to rupture, and then they subsequently cross into their stable neighbors causing turbulence in blood flow.

If LDL cholesterol levels remain high, it contributes to the progression of atherogenic changes in the vessel wall that block the endothelial function (the cells lining your arteries) which undermines cardiovascular protection for both coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease patients. Eating a diet high in saturated fat is linked with an increased level of cholesterol in the blood.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates through your bloodstream and gives all of your cells the energy they need, as well as helping to keep skin healthy. A diet rich in cholesterol may protect from strokes and heart attacks, but eating too much-saturated fat can still have harmful effects on your health over time.

It seems like what you should be asking is "why isn't this information more common?" After all, it's not just about high cholesterol causing heart disease - it's also about eating less than 10?lories from saturates (the fatty acids found in butter, cheese, beef) which might protect against inflammation over

Cholesterol-rich plaque developed in the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen, reducing blood flow. It can lead to angina (chest pain) or heart disease. If one's cholesterol levels are high throughout life - due either to heredity or diet, chances are that risk of developing coronary artery disease is higher than for people with lower levels. The more often LDL particle size is small, called "Pattern A," the less likely it is that someone will progress into coronary artery disease over time. Conversely, the more often LDL particles are large, called "Pattern B," then they're at greater risk than those who have fewer Pattern-B LDLs. So minimizing carbohydrates and other sugars helps prevent high cholesterol.

The higher your cholesterol, the more likely it is for plaque to build up in the blood vessels, which can potentially restrict or reduce blood flow. There are two major health issues that come with the lack of cholesterol management: heart disease and strokes. About 27% of American adults have prediabetes, which is a pre-existing condition that suggests they'll develop type 2 diabetes in the future. When an individual has type 2 diabetes, their erythrocytes become deformed and do not function as well as normal erythrocytes might. This leaves them at risk for high blood pressure and myocardial infarctions (otherwise known as heart attacks). Additionally, individuals with type II diabetes often eventually end up on cholesterol medications like statins to control their levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind).

Improving cholesterol levels is an easy way for many people to maintain a healthier body, with a really potent payoff in the form of longevity and better physical condition. If your cholesterol levels are already optimal then you don't have anything to lose by eating one or two pieces of dark chocolate every day. Eating dark chocolate has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL-cholesterol, the good type that's been linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate contains cocoa butter which contains stearic acid, the part of the fat that doesn't affect either blood clotting or inflammation in healthy individuals.

It's important because cholesterol is also the precursor to many hormones and hormone-like substances called steroids, so it's evolutionarily adaptive for humans to maintain low cholesterol levels as a result. Maintaining low cholesterol levels can reduce your risk of heart disease and other conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in all animal cells and causes calcification of tissues and leads to cell death. It also forms the framework for certain pathogens, such as the herpes virus. Some people may need cholesterol medications because their own ability to make it depletes (decreases) over time, such as in cases of hypothyroidism or Addison's disease. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is one indication that cholesterol has built up and can build up within veins and arteries leading to serious health problems like heart attack and stroke. Patients should be aware of these risks and consult with physicians regularly about their lipid levels while on therapy. They need cholesterol to build cell walls, and it's an essential part of our metabolism.

It delivers oxygen from the lungs or gills to all parts of your body, including the heart, brain, and other organs. It helps make hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Plus, cholesterol is how cells move nutrients in and out... We get more than half of our cholesterol from the food we eat... But your liver also makes more when you have too many calories -- especially from fat-containing foods that have saturated fats or high amounts of unhealthy trans fats.

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Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

inflamed
narrow
overly sensitive to triggers

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

appear gradually
vary in severity
mimic common respiratory conditions

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

breathless during routine activities
difficulty taking deep breaths

This may worsen at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

at night
early morning
after exercise

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

onset after age 20–30
less association with childhood allergies
more persistent symptoms
higher likelihood of severe disease

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

long-term exposure to pollution
smoking or passive smoking
occupational chemicals or dust
obesity
family history of asthma
chronic sinusitis or allergies

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

severe breathlessness
difficulty speaking in full sentences
bluish lips or fingertips
rapid worsening of symptoms
poor response to usual inhalers

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

detailed symptom history
physical examination
lung function tests (spirometry)
response to bronchodilators

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

frequent attacks
reduced lung function
sleep disturbances
missed workdays
reduced quality of life

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

identifying and avoiding triggers
using prescribed inhalers correctly
monitoring symptoms regularly
maintaining follow-up care

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

detect asthma early
assess lung function
guide lifestyle modifications

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

avoiding smoking
improving indoor air quality
wearing masks in polluted environments
maintaining healthy weight
regular, moderate exercise

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

reduces symptom frequency
improves medication response

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

taken regularly as prescribed
inhaler technique is correct

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

symptoms are well controlled
severe attacks are preventable
normal activity levels are achievable

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

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