Have Healthy Cholesterol

Cholesterol Overview

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance that is found in the blood stream and all of your body’s cells. It is an important part of a healthy body, since it is used for producing cell membranes, hormones, and needed to complete other bodily functions. The cholesterol in our bodies is either ingested in the foods we eat or is produced by our own bodies. 75 percent of blood cholesterol is produced by the liver. Too much cholesterol in the blood, however, is a serious risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. The medical term for high levels of blood cholesterol is called hypercholesterolemia. The body produces two types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is considered “bad” cholesterol, because high levels circulating in the blood can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Produced naturally by the body, high levels of LDL cholesterol are usually the result of an inherited condition that causes excessive production. As well, eating saturated fat, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol will also increase levels of “bad” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol, because high levels of it seem to protect against heart disease. In fact, low levels of HDL increase the risk of heart disease, which experts believe is because HDL cholesterol tends to carries cholesterol back to the liver, and away from the arteries. Some experts also believe that HDL cholesterol may remove cholesterol from arterial plaques, and slow its build up in the arterial wall.

High cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels can be caused by other diseases like diabetes, and some forms of thyroid, liver, and kidney diseases. However, a combination of diet and genetic factors are the most common cause of elevated cholesterol levels.

Lowering cholesterol

Lowering cholesterol is essential. It is important to remember that no matter how good your genetic predisposition to good cholesterol metabolism, it is possible to overwhelm your system with an inactive lifestyle, gaining imprudent amounts of weight, and eating a diet that is high saturated fat or cholesterol. Unfortunately, high cholesterol levels typically have no noticeable symptoms. High cholesterol is usually diagnosed during routine blood tests. Your blood test report will show your cholesterol levels in mg/dL (milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood). More specifically, your blood test will show your total serum cholesterol level, your levels of good cholesterol (HDL), your levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), and your triglyceride level. Since high cholesterol increases the risk of other conditions, such as heart disease, your doctor will ask you questions about your age, family history, smoking, and high blood pressure. Since high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease, it is very important to make efforts toward cholesterol reduction. Lifestyle changes and drug therapies are the two main treatment approaches for high cholesterol levels. Diet, weight, physical activity, and exposure to tobacco smoke can all affect cholesterol levels. Therefore eating a low fat diet, enjoying regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco smoke are the first line of treatment geared towards lowering high cholesterol levels. If this strategy is not effective, cholesterol medication may be prescribed.