It may surprise you to learn that cholesterol is not unhealthy itself. Cholesterol is only one of the many compounds that our bodies produce and use to keep us healthy. Some of the cholesterol we require is produced naturally (and is influenced by your family’s health history), while the rest comes from the foods we consume.
Cholesterol is divided into two types: “good” and “bad.” It is critical to know the distinction between “good” and “bad” cholesterol, as well as the levels of both in your blood. You can develop coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke if you consume too much of one type or not enough of another.
Despite the fact that elevated cholesterol can lead to significant heart disease, there are usually no symptoms. This is why it is critical to have your cholesterol levels evaluated by a medical professional.
Cholesterol can be found in two places: your body and your food. About 75% of blood cholesterol is produced by your liver and other cells in your body. The remaining 25% comes from the meals you consume. Only animal products contain cholesterol.
Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body and plays a crucial role in digestion, hormone production, and vitamin D production. It has a waxy, fat-like look.
Cholesterol is divided into two types:
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol
HDL (“High-Density Lipoprotein”)
A cholesterol test determines your HDL and LDL levels. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is a “good” cholesterol that helps keep LDL (bad) cholesterol from clogging your arteries. HDL cholesterol is characterized as “good” cholesterol because it appears to protect against heart attacks when levels are high. HDL is thought to transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is excreted by the body. HDL, according to some experts, eliminates excess cholesterol from artery plaque, reducing its formation.
HDL carries about a quarter to a third of blood cholesterol. Low HDL levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease (less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women).
Studies show that regular physical activity can help your body produce more HDLs, which can help you achieve your goals. Another way to boost HDL is to cut down on trans fats and eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet. If these measures are insufficient to raise your HDL levels to the desired level, your doctor may prescribe an HDL-raising medication.
LDL (“Bad Cholesterol”)
The “bad” cholesterol is LDL cholesterol. When the blood has too much LDL (bad) cholesterol, it can build up in the inner walls of the arteries that supply the heart and brain. It can produce plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can constrict and stiffen arteries when combined with other chemicals. Atherosclerosis is the medical term for this illness. A heart attack or stroke can occur if a clot develops and blocks a narrowing artery.
Although the body produces LDL cholesterol normally, many people inherit genes from their mother, father, or even grandparents that lead them to create excessive amounts. Consuming saturated fat, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol raises your cholesterol levels. If you have a family history of high blood cholesterol, lifestyle changes may not be adequate to lower your LDL cholesterol. Because everyone is unique, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Cholesterol serves four essential roles without which we would die.
They are:
- Assisting in the formation of cell walls
- Making up digestive bile acids in the intestine
- Enabling the body to synthesize vitamin D
- Allowing the body to produce specific hormones
Causes of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a leading cause of heart attacks and a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Cholesterol levels can be managed by reducing fat intake in the diet. It’s especially beneficial to limit foods that contain:
- Cholesterol: This is found in animal products such as meat and cheese.
- Saturated fat: This can be found in a variety of foods, including meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, deep-fried foods, and processed foods.
- Trans fats: Trans fats can be found in fried and processed meals.
- Obesity or excess weight can also raise LDL levels in the blood. High cholesterol can be caused by genetic causes. LDL levels are extremely high in those with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder.
High Cholesterol Levels can also be caused by the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Illness of the liver or kidneys
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Pregnancy and other conditions that cause female hormone levels to rise thyroid gland that is underactive
- Progestins, anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids are examples of medicines that raise LDL cholesterol while lowering HDL cholesterol.
What is the best way to tell if I have high Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is generally accompanied by no symptoms. That’s why a blood test or at-home kits are the best ways to check your cholesterol levels. You may need to fast for nine to twelve hours before your test, without eating, drinking, or taking medicine. Consult your doctor about the best way to prepare for a home test.
That blood test will reveal various figures, including total cholesterol, good and bad cholesterol levels, and triglycerides, a form of fat.
Here are some cholesterol and triglyceride targets to go for:
Total cholesterol
Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL/Bad Cholesterol
Less than 70 mg/dL if you already have heart disease
Less than 100 mg/dL if you are at high risk for heart disease
Less than 130 mg/dL if you are at low risk for heart disease
HDL/Good Cholesterol
Greater than 40 mg/dL for men and greater than 50 mg/dL for women
Triglycerides
Less than 150 mg/dL
Triglycerides
Triglyceride is a kind of fat produced by the human body. Obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol use, and a high-carbohydrate diet can all cause elevated triglycerides (60 percent of total calories or more). People with high triglycerides have a high total cholesterol level, which includes a high LDL (bad) and a low HDL (good) cholesterol level. Triglyceride levels are often high in patients who have heart disease or diabetes.
Is it necessary for me to have my Cholesterol Levels examined on a regular basis?
If you are over 20 and do not have heart disease, you should get your cholesterol levels checked every 4 to 6 years. If you are at risk for heart disease, have high cholesterol, or have taken cholesterol-lowering drugs, you may need to have your cholesterol checked more frequently.
What can I do to lower my Cholesterol?
High cholesterol can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes. Even if you do not have high cholesterol, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by changing your daily routines.
Here are some things you can do:
Eat Healthy
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, chicken, fish, and nuts should make up the majority of your meals, with red meat and sugary foods and drinks being limited.
Bonus: A heart-healthy diet might help you lose weight, which can lower your cholesterol.
Engage in physical activity
On most days of the week, aim for 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity. Exercises such as vigorous walking, bicycling, and swimming come to mind.
Quit smoking
If you’ve been a smoker for a long time, you will benefit from quitting.
Secondhand smoke should be avoided
Even if you don’t smoke, being in close proximity to someone who does can increase your risk of heart disease.
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