22/03/2024
You have believed all this while that it's only Fat people that can suffer high Blood Cholesterol ?
Cholesterol=
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, it plays a vital role in building cell membranes, producing hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and synthesizing vitamin D.
However, elevated levels of cholesterol, particularly LDL (low-density lipoprotein) can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Now, let's delve into the different types of cholesterol:
There are two primary sources of cholesterol:
Dietary intake and the liver, which produces cholesterol endogenously( within the body)
Cholesterol travels in the bloodstream in lipoprotein particles.
The major types of lipoproteins are HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein).
✅ HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein):
HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver for processing and elimination. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
✅ LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein):
LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of arteries, forming plaque and leading to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries). High levels of LDL are a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
✅ VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein):
VLDL contains the highest amount of triglycerides and is a precursor to LDL. Elevated levels of VLDL are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
How to Know When They Are Elevated or Decreased
Blood tests, specifically a lipid profile, are used to measure levels of HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol, along with total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Normal levels of blood cholesterol:
HDL: Ideally above 60 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
LDL: Ideally below 100 mg/dL.
VLDL: Typically between 5-40 mg/dL.
📌 Elevated levels:
HDL: Below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women.
LDL: Above 130 mg/dL (or above 100 mg/dL for individuals at high risk).
VLDL: Above 30 mg/dL.
📌 How to Manage and Treat Increased Levels:
1. Lifestyle changes:
Diet: Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as those found in nuts, avocados, and olive oil).
Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Weight management:
Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if overweight or obese.
Smoking cessation:
Quit smoking, as it can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
2. Medications:
~ Drugs are commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
~ Lower triglyceride levels and may also increase HDL cholesterol.
~ The ones that can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol.
~ Help lower LDL cholesterol by binding to bile acids in the digestive system.
📌 Preventive Measures:
1. Healthy diet:
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Limit saturated and trans fats, as well as dietary cholesterol.
Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, trout) and flaxseeds.
2. Regular exercise:
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can help improve cholesterol levels.
4. Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors that affect cholesterol levels.
5. Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Regular medical check-ups: Monitor cholesterol levels regularly, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease or a family history of high cholesterol.
7. Follow PharmaInsight
