Cholesterol is defined as a soft fat-like substance which is called a lipid.Cholesterol is used by our body to make new cells, hormones and to perform other bodily functions.Cholesterol is essential for our body but excessive intake of cholesterol can block our arteries which is extremely dangerous.It is a slow process but by the time it becomes a serious problem such as Coronary Heart Disease or Stroke.
Sources of cholesterol
There are two sources of cholesterol: Our body and the food we eat.
Liver is an organ which produces most of the cholesterol for our body needs and also some body cells make cholesterol.Other source of cholesterol is the food we eat such as Meat, Butter, Eggs, Cheese and Fat Full Milk.About 75% of the cholesterol we get from our body and 25% of it is consumed from the food we eat.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by our body but some people inherit genes from their mother, father or possibly grandparents which causes them to make too much.Eating saturated fat, trans fats and dietary cholesterol also increases how much you have.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol cannot be dissolved in the blood, so it has to be transported to and from the cells via substances called lipoproteins.
Cholesterol is of two types:
1. LDL (BAD)
2. HDL (GOOD)
One is a bad cholesterol and the other is good one.
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol: If too much of this cholesterol is circulating in the blood, it starts to build up in the inner walls of the arteries that links to the heart and brain.By the time it form a thick and hard deposit that narrow the arteries and makes them less flexible.This type of condition is called atherosclerosis.If the artery is completly blocked a Heart Attack or Stroke can occur.
HDL (good) Cholesterol: HDl is also called High Density Lipoprotein and it is a good cholesterol.It is called good cholesterol because high densities of this cholesterol protect against heart attack and also low densities of HDL increases the risk of heart attack.HDL is said to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, which is passed from the body.
Prevention and treatments:
To reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, work with your healthcare professionals to monitor and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Take responsibility for managing your cholesterol levels. Whether you've been prescribed medication or advised to make diet and lifestyle changes to help manage your cholesterol, carefully follow your doctor's recommendations.
Lifestyle Changes
Your diet, weight, physical activity and exposure to tobacco smoke all affect your cholesterol level — and these factors may be controlled by:
- eating a heart-healthy diet
- enjoying regular physical activity , and
- Avoiding tobacco smoke
For some people, lifestyle changes alone aren't enough to reach healthy cholesterol levels. Your doctor may prescribe medication. Learn about:
- Types of cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Tips for taking medications
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