As men grow older, the risks of cardiovascular conditions are increased. Heart disease is the number one killer of Australian men, with diet and lifestyle choices often responsible for increasingly higher levels of cholesterol.
Cholesterol as a men’s health concern is often overlooked, but research is showing that conditions such as erectile dysfunction in some men can be linked to higher cholesterol levels.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is made in the liver and obtained through diet. It resembles a waxy substance and is located in fats (lipids) within the body.
Cholesterol is important for the body to maintain making new cells.
What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is when cholesterol levels in the body have built up resulting in fatty deposits. These deposits can begin to clog up blood vessels making it more difficult for blood to flow through.
What Are the Types of Cholesterol?
The most common types of cholesterol are-
LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the so-called ‘bad cholesterol’. LDL builds up along the walls of arteries increasing the risk of them becoming clogged.
Value– aim for a blood test range (1.7-3.5 mmol/L)
HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the ‘good cholesterol’. HDL collects excess cholesterol and returns it back to the liver.
Value- aim for a blood test range (0.9-2.1 mmol/L)
Triglycerides (the most common fat in the body) provides the body with energy. Too many triglycerides can result in thick and sticky blood with can increase heart disease risk.
Value- aim for a blood test range (0.5-1.7mmol/L)
What Are the Risk Factors for High Cholesterol?
There can be a number of factors which contribute to high cholesterol. These include,
- Age
- Overweight or obesity
- Dietary intake
- Low exercise
- Family history
- Smoking
Cholesterol and Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can often be a sign of underlying cardiovascular disease. As cholesterol levels build, and subsequent plague develops on the artery walls, the diameter of the penile vessels becomes smaller. This leads to a decrease in the blood flow required for an erection.
Any change in a man’s erectile strength should be a sign to request an appointment with a GP to assess whether a cardiovascular cause (often high cholesterol) is responsible.
What are the Treatments for High Cholesterol?
1. Diet
There is emerging research that the Mediterranean Diet is effective at reducing LDL levels and overall body mass weight. Reducing cholesterol through diet involves-
- Increasing fresh leafy vegetables, fruit and especially wholegrains such as oats, beans or lentils.
- Replacing some red meat meals with fish and other seafood.
- Fat-reduced creams, yoghurts and cheeses are better choices than full-fat items.
- Healthy fat options include seeds, nuts, olives and avocados.
- Reducing salt intake.
Speak with a qualified Dietitian about food options best suited to your body and goals.
2.Exercise
Aerobic exercise has been shown in studies to increase HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides.
- Move more. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise activity such as a brisk walk.
- Speak with a qualified exercise physiologist about the types of exercises best suited to your body and goals.
3.Medications
The most common medicines prescribed for high cholesterol are part of a group known as statins. Statins work by lowering the LDL or bad cholesterol levels in the blood. These are usually taken once per day.
Real Men’ Health Takeaway
A blood test to assess cholesterol levels is recommended every 5-years, from the age of 45 years.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, testing is recommended to commence from age 35 years.
