Many people know they may have high cholesterol and you may be concerned about your health and the role cholesterol can play. This is important.
So, what is cholesterol? What does it do?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance. It is not inherently "bad". Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But too much cholesterol can cause problems.
There are two sources of cholesterol. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The remaining cholesterol in your body comes from animal foods. For example, meat, poultry and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol.
These same foods are rich in saturated fats and trans fats. These fats cause your liver to produce more cholesterol than would otherwise be the case. For some people, this increased production means they go from normal cholesterol levels to unhealthy levels.
Some tropical oils - such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil - contain saturated fats that increase bad cholesterol. These oils are commonly found in baked goods.
Why cholesterol is important?
Cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream. As the amount of cholesterol in your blood increases, so do your health risks. High cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke. That's why it's important to test your cholesterol so you can know your levels.
The two types of cholesterol are: bad LDL cholesterol and good HDL cholesterol.
Too much bad cholesterol, or too much good cholesterol, can increase the risk of cholesterol slowly building up in the lining of the arteries that supply blood to your heart and brain.
Cholesterol can combine with other substances to form thick, hard deposits on the inside of arteries. This narrows the arteries and reduces their flexibility - a condition known as atherosclerosis. If a blood clot forms and blocks one of these narrowed arteries, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
When it comes to cholesterol, remember: check, change and control. That is.
Check your cholesterol levels. Knowing your numbers and assessing your risk is key.
Make changes to your diet and lifestyle to help raise your levels.
Control your cholesterol, if needed, with the help of your doctor
High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. If you have other risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure or diabetes, your risk increases even more
The more risk factors you have, and the more serious they are, the higher your overall risk will be
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "bad cholesterol"
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol." It carries cholesterol to your arteries. If your LDL cholesterol level is too high, it can build up in the walls of your arteries.
This buildup is also known as cholesterol plaque. This plaque can narrow your arteries, restrict your blood flow, and raise your risk of blood clots. If a blood clot blocks an artery in your heart or brain, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "good cholesterol"
HDL cholesterol is sometimes called "good cholesterol." It helps send LDL cholesterol back to your liver to be removed from your body. This helps prevent cholesterol plaque from building up in your arteries.
When you have healthy levels of HDL cholesterol, it can help lower your risk of blood clots, heart disease and stroke.
Triglycerides, a different type of lipid
Triglycerides are another type of lipid. They are different from cholesterol. While your body uses cholesterol to build cells and certain hormones, it uses triglycerides as a source of energy.
When you eat more calories than your body can immediately use, it converts those calories into triglycerides. It stores triglycerides in your fat cells. It also uses lipoproteins to circulate triglycerides through your bloodstream.
If you regularly eat more calories than your body can use, your triglyceride levels may become too high. This can raise your risk of a number of health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
Your doctor can measure your triglyceride levels, as well as your cholesterol levels, with a simple blood test.
When should you check your cholesterol levels?
If you are 20 years old or older, the American Heart Association recommends having your cholesterol levels checked at least every four to six years. If you have a history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, your doctor may encourage you to have your cholesterol levels checked more often.
Your doctor can measure your total cholesterol level, as well as your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, using a lipid profile. Your total cholesterol level is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. It includes both LDL and HDL cholesterol.
If your total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol level is too high, your doctor may diagnose you with high cholesterol. High cholesterol can be dangerous when your LDL level is too high and your HDL level is too low.
See also:
- Cholesterol care
- 9 Best At-Home Kidney Tests Buyers Guide In 2022
- What Is Blood Test For Iron Called?
- 2022 Best Home Hemoglobin Meter Buyers Guide
- Cholesterol test at home: Everything You Want to Know 2022 Version