 | What is cholesterol?Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. It is essential for vital bodily functions such as building new cells, producing hormones, and the production of bile acids which aid the digestion of dietary fats.
Normally, the liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs, although cholesterol is also contained in certain foods. The cholesterol and fats you eat are absorbed through the stomach and intestines into the bloodstream. Much of the fat is transported to fat cells, while most of the cholesterol is taken to wherever your body needs it in the form of lipoprotein particles.
The level of cholesterol in the bloodstream is important in determining the risk for various cardiovascular diseases. For further information on cholesterol blood tests, results and what they mean, see Interpreting Blood Test Results.
High-density Lipoproteins (HDLs) are known as "good cholesterol". HDLs carry some of the cholesterol in the blood, but this cholesterol goes back to the liver, which leads to its removal from the body. HDLs help keep cholesterol from building up in the walls of the arteries. Low HDL levels increase the risk of heart disease.
Low-density Lipoproteins (LDLs) are known as "bad cholesterol". LDLs carry most of the cholesterol in the blood, and the cholesterol and fat from LDLs are the main source of dangerous buildup and blockage in the arteries. High LDL levels increase the risk of heart disease.How is Cholesterol related to Heart Disease?Generally speaking, high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are associated with increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, whereas high levels of HDL (good cholesterol) are associated with decreased risk.
One of the main ways in which LDL cholesterol levels in the blood can become too high is through eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet. Other factors also affect blood cholesterol levels, such as genetics, age and gender.
High blood cholesterol levels contribute to increased risk of heart disease. There are also several other risk factors, including cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. Any of these, in addition to high blood cholesterol, further increases the risk of heart disease.
LDL cholesterol collects in the walls of arteries (especially the coronary arteries which supply the heart), which leads to accumulation of cholesterol-laden "plaque" in vessel linings. This condition is called atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries". When the blood flow to the heart is impeded, the heart muscle becomes starved for oxygen, causing chest pain known as angina. If a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery affected by atherosclerosis, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or death can occur.
Most cholesterol problems are determined largely by genetic predisposition. In families where genes are inherited that increase risk for high cholesterol, a diet high in saturated fat can significantly raise cholesterol levels. Since no-one can predict with certainty which people with high cholesterol will develop heart disease, it is best to play it safe and keep your cholesterol levels in check.
A low-fat diet and regular physical activity can help achieve a healthy weight and desirable cholesterol levels. Dietary control alone does not work for everyone. Some people, particularly those with a genetic predisposition, will also need to take medicines to reduce their cholesterol levels.You can treat cholesterol with: Generic Lipitor, Generic Pravachol. [an error occurred while processing this directive] | |
