These days, it seems that information about the importance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is everywhere. Keeping your cholesterol levels in check is an important component of good overall health. There are different types of cholesterol, and understanding the difference between them is the first step in managing the levels. Below is some basic information about the different types of cholesterol and how they affect your health.
Identification
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is found in fats in your bloodstream and in cell membranes throughout the body. You need some cholesterol in your body, as it is not only a part of a healthy cell, it also is found in hormones. It helps to make vitamin D, and supports necessary functions in the body such as digestion. Blood is watery and cholesterol is fatty. The two do not mix. Since cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood, lipoproteins are necessary to help move it throughout the body. Lipoproteins consist of a fatty outer covering with proteins inside. Lipoproteins are like an envelope that holds and carries the cholesterol between the cells and through the bloodstream. There are many types of lipoproteins, but the two that are important for your health are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Significance
HDLs are known as "good" cholesterol. Having a high amount of this cholesterol is beneficial because it carries the cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver. After reaching the liver, the cholesterol can be passed from the body during excretion. Having a high level of HDLs is considered good, as it can help to protect against heart disease.
LDLs are considered "bad" cholesterol. If there is too much LDL circulating in the blood, it can build up in the artery walls. Eventually, this can lead to plaque buildup. This buildup can become a hard and thick deposit, and lead to the development of clogged arteries or atherosclerosis. This puts you at a high risk for heart disease and stroke. As the arteries become clogged, the heart no longer receives the needed amount of blood and the oxygen it carries. In addition, pieces of plaque can break off and cause a clot. If the clot blocks an artery, you can suffer a heart attack. If the clot blocks blood and oxygen flow to the brain, the result is a stroke.
Healthy Levels
Your doctor can perform blood tests to determine your level of good and bad cholesterol, and hence your risk for disease. Having an LDL cholesterol reading of 160 mg/dl puts you in the category of high risk for heart disease. If you are at risk for cardiovascular disease your LDL cholesterol reading should be less then 100 mg/dl or even lower. Your doctor can help you to determine a healthy level for you.
Sources of Cholesterol
Cholesterol comes from two sources. One source is from the food you eat. The other is from your own body. The liver is the main producer of cholesterol and can make up to 1,000 mg per day. Your body produces all the cholesterol you need, so it is not necessary to consume it. Animal-based foods are the highest in cholesterol. Consuming products such as egg yolks, meat, poultry, whole milk and dairy products can raise your level of bad cholesterol. Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats are the most important to limit, as they raise the blood cholesterol levels the most. In contrast, plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains and nuts do not contain cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume no more then 300 mg a day for healthy individuals, and as low as 20 mg a day if you are at risk for heart disease.
Lifestyle Choices and Bad Cholesterol Levels
There are other situations that can affect the level of cholesterol in the body. If you have a high level of bad cholesterol, add exercise into your life. Regular aerobic exercise increases the levels of HDLs.
Smoking reduces the levels of HDLs. As your levels of good cholesterol go down, there is a higher chance that the LDLs will create blood clots. If you are overweight, you are also at a higher risk. Being overweight raises the levels of LDLs.
It is essential to have yourself tested to determine your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol in itself does not have symptoms. If you do not have the proper blood tests, you will not know that your cholesterol levels are high until after heart attack or stroke, which may be too late. The National Institutes for Health recommends that everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked every 5 years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if your individual situation warrants it.
The Role of Genetics
While there are many lifestyle choices which can help you to control your cholesterol levels, there are some factors not within your control. One is genetics. There is a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia. This condition involves a defect in a gene, and is present at birth. It is passed down through the generations. Individuals with this genetic defect do not have the ability to remove bad cholesterol from the blood. This causes high levels of LDLs (as high as 600 mg/dl) even at birth, and patients can suffer heart disease at an early age.
Treatment
The first stage in treatment is to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle. Paying attention to your diet, getting regular exercise, stopping smoking, and managing your stress should be tried first, unless your bad cholesterol levels are dangerously high. If making changes to your lifestyle are ineffective, your doctor will prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication.
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