There is a lot of talk and publicity about cholesterol these days. Many people have misconceptions and misunderstandings. It is correct that too much cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of heart disease. So if one keeps the cholesterol under control, better the chances of avoiding a heart attack. Heart attacks claim more than half a million American lives every year.
Cholesterol is a fat like substance found in all cells of the body. It is an essential pant of a healthy body and it is used for building body tissues, When it crosses the limit of body’s needs, the problem arises. Cholesterol is produced in the body, mostly in the liver. It is found in foods that come from animals. The most concentrated sources are organ meats, fatty meats, egg yolks and whole milk dairy products.
Cholesterol is transported to and from the cells by special carriers, There are several kinds of them, bit the one’s we are most concerned about are low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL Cholesterol or Bad Cholesterol:
LDL is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. Some LDL cholesterol is used by the liver and tissues. The rest of it circulates in the bloodstream and if in excess may deposit on the inner walls of the arteries feeding the hear. Together with other feeding the heart or brain leading to heart attack or stroke. That is why LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol. Its high level means that there is an increased risk of heart attack. The ideal LDL cholesterol should be below 130. HDL Cholesterol or Good Cholesterol: HDL carries about one third to one fourth of blood cholesterol, It is produced mostly in the liver and released into the bloodstream. HDL is believed to remove excess cholesterol from the body. It is considered good cholesterol because a high level of HDL seems to protect against heart attack. On the other hand, a low HDL level indicates a greater a risk. In an average man, HDL cholesterol levels range from 40 to 50 mg/dl; in an average woman, from 50 to 60. Total Cholesterol:
The total blood cholesterol is probably the most common number everybody talks about. It falls into one of the following categories: If the total cholesterol level is less than 200 and no other risk factors, risk of heart attack is relatively low. Maintaining a lower level is Considered healthier.
If the total cholesterol is in borderline high range, risk of heart attack is two times than a person with cholesterol level of the Less than 200. 40 percent of American adults are in this group, The cholesterol level over 240 is definitely high and risk of heart attack is higher, Further tests and investigations are needed. Management:
1.Diet:Itis now well established that blood cholesterol levels can be altered by dietary manipulations, One should cat more low fat, low cholesterol foods i.e. eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains in place of fatty meats and bakery goods; eating fresh poultry without skin and lean meats instead of fatty ones; and consuming low fat or skim milk dairy products rather than whole milk. Egg white docs not contain any cholesterol.
2.Exercise:Regular exercise favorably affects blood cholesterol levels, It includes jogging, rapid walking, swimming, bicycling etc. for minimum of 30 minutes at least three times weekly. It has been shown that it leads to arise in the levels of HDL or good cholesterol 3. Smoking Cessation: It has been associated with modest rise in HDL or good cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack.
4.Drugs:Unless the blood cholesterol level is dangerously high, it is very essential to give a trial of low fat diet and exercise for at least six months and follow up blood cholesterol level. If even after that there is no significant change in level, cholesterol lowering drugs may be needed. However low fat diet should be continued during drug treatment. Recommendation:
Starting at age 20, the blood cholesterol should be checked at least once every five years, if it is above 200, it should be followed up more closely and checked regularly along with other risk factors for heart attack.
This information provides a general overview on high cholesterol and may not apply in each individual case. Consult your physician to determine whether this information can be applied to your personal situation and to obtain additional information.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 7, 1993
