Cholesterol
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance which is used by our bodies to manufacture hormones and other important body substances.
Types of cholesterol
Basically, there are two types of cholesterols: the low density lipoproteins LDL and the high density lipoproteins HDL.
LDL are considered as “bad” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol through the body and may deposit on the artery walls.
HDL are considered as “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from the body to the liver for later use.
Where does cholesterol come from?
Cholesterol is partly manufactured by the body itself and partly is come from food we consume.
How cholesterol is measured?
Cholesterol is measured as total cholesterol including HDL and LDL. Less than 200mg/dl is a desirable blood cholesterol. When a person has an abnormally high rating this may indicate a problem. A further lipid profile test can identify the level of LDL and HDL.
A high LDL level increases the risk of heart disease. Excessive cholesterol may deposit in the walls of arteries. This can cause narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the heart.
High cholesterol and health
It is now known that high cholesterol levels in blood causes arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a medical term for the narrowing of the interior of blood vessels by fatty deposits. Arteriosclerosis can occur in arteries all over the body causing insufficient oxygenated blood to reach the tissues resulting in diseases such as coronary heart disease (HEART) and stroke (BRAIN).
What other risk factors for coronary heart disease?
- High blood pressure!
- Cigarette smoking
- Low HDL
- Family history of coronary heart disease before the age of 55
- Diabetes and other rarer endocrine disease
- History of heart or vascular (blood vessel) disease
- Male sex and female after menopause
- Psychological stress
How can cholesterol level be controlled?
1. Diet is one important key to a lower level and a healthier heart.
- Cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin, such as beef, eggs, cheese and other dairy products.
- Excessive intake of saturated fat can raise the level of cholesterol. Oil from animal fat have a high saturated fat content. e.g. meat fat, butter, cream.
- High fibre may assist in reducing cholesterol.
2. Keep physically active.
- An active life style can decrease the fatty build up in the walls of the arteries and reduced your risk of heart attack. Regular exercise of sufficient duration can strengthen your heart muscle and promote the development of collateral circulation, a network of blood vessels that will provide an alternative blood supply in case of borage.
3. Control your weight.
- Maintain a desirable body weight, eat moderately andsensibly can keep yourself healthy.
4. The physician will estimate your risk of coronary heart disease. He may advice you to do some more future investigation, regular blood cholesterol checking. When necessary, he may prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol level.