KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is an essential part of our body. It helps in producing certain harmones in the body as well as membranes of the cells. But excessive cholesterol in our blood produces sticky deposits in the arteries. The narrowed blood vessels obstruct the free flow of blood and heart has to exert extra pressure to pump the blood. This is known as High blood pressure. If not checked in time, it may lead to heart attack.

There are two sources of cholesterol.  Our liver contributes the major portion of cholesterol, and the rest is obtained from our food. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High Density Lipoprotein).  LDL is also known as “Bad” cholesterol and the HDL as “Good” cholesterol.  Both of these are needed by the body for proper functioning. However it is important to keep both in their safe level. The deposits in the arteries mentioned above are caused by LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

The present day life style is the major cause of excessive LDL in our body. Too much intake of saturated fats, fast ready made foods like French fries, potato chips, samosas etc. give rise to accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body. Lack of regular exercise and proper rest are other contributing factors. 

Saturated Fats = Solid at room temperature

Unsaturated Fats = Liquid at room temperature

Saturated fats are most commonly found in animal products, particularly beef, lamb, pork and poultry. The visible, white fat on cuts of meat is the most obvious example, but poultry skins also are high in saturated fat. Whole milk also is high in saturated fat --- 1 cup contains about 4.5 g --- as are products made with it, such as cheese, butter and ice cream. Most plant-based cooking oils are unsaturated fats, because they are liquid at room temperature, but some, particularly palm oil and coconut oil, consist mostly of saturated fat. Baked goods made with these oils and food fried in these oils, therefore, are high in saturated fat.

Change in the lifestyle habits can play a big role in keeping the level of LDL 
and HDL in a balanced state. Eating proper nutritious food, fresh fruits, green 
and leafy vegetables; and avoiding excess fat and fast foods, regular exercise 
and adequate rest are good measures. High level of HDL or “Good” cholesterol 
helps to protect against heart attack and sudden strokes caused due to blocking of blood supply to the brain. 

The level of cholesterol in the blood can be checked through blood test. It is therefore recommended to have this test done at 1 or 2 years interval for adults. Desirable, Borderline and High Risk levels of cholesterol are as under:

DESIRABLE

        Total cholesterol    Below 200

        LDL                      Below 100

        HDL                     Above 60

BORDERLINE

        Total cholesterol    200-239

        LDL                      139-159

        HDL                     35-60

HIGH RISK

        Total cholesterol    Above 239

        LDL                      Above 190

        HDL                     Less than 35

                       

SUMMARY

High cholesterol can narrow the blood vessels and cause heart attack. Regular tests are important to check that cholesterol levels are within the desired range. High cholesterol level can be treated with proper diet, regular exercise, weight loss and medication.

The best thing a person can do is eating less foods that contain lot of fats. Weight loss, control over diabetes and thyroid problems will also be very helpful in keeping the cholesterol within desirable levels.