Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the human blood that is responsible for the synthesis of hormones and vitamin D and also aids in digestion. However, too much cholesterol poses serious health risks as it can lead to conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol can be caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. In most cases, cholesterol is caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, although it can also be inherited.
type of cholesterol
Cholesterol is attached to proteins, and these lipoproteins are transported through the blood. Cholesterol can be divided into two types according to the content of lipoproteins:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL absorbs cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to the liver, where it is excreted. HDL, also known as good cholesterol, can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
this required level The good cholesterol level is 60 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) for both men and women. Levels below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women are considered risky. People with naturally higher levels of HDL cholesterol are thought to be at lower risk of heart attack and stroke. However, drugs that raise HDL levels do not reduce the risk of heart attack, and people with very high HDL levels (above 100 mg/dL) also have a higher risk of heart disease.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL is often called bad cholesterol because it can clog blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Most of the cholesterol in the body is LDL.this optimal level LDL below 100 mg/dL.
Triglycerides It is a type of fat that the body obtains from food for energy. When a person has high triglycerides and low levels of HDL and/or LDL, the risk of developing health problems is high.
4 Misconceptions About Cholesterol
- All cholesterol is bad. fact: LDL is a type of cholesterol that can pose health risks.
- When you have high cholesterol, you can feel it. fact: usually have no warning signs high cholesterol. It can only be identified with a blood test.
- Lean people have no cholesterol. fact: While obesity increases the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease, lean people can also have high cholesterol.
- Women don’t have to worry about cholesterol. fact: Women had lower levels of bad cholesterol until menopause. However, after menopause, women are at the same risk for high cholesterol as men. However, at any age, men tend to have lower levels of good cholesterol compared to women.
Published by Medicaldaily.com