Cholesterol: Everything You Need To Know

Updated on April 29, 2023

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of cholesterol how to measure your cholesterol levels, and what you can do to lower your cholesterol if it is too high. We will also provide some tips on how to eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight, both of which can help to improve your cholesterol levels.

By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of cholesterol and what you can do to keep your cholesterol levels healthy.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the human body. It is made up of two types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the body. A study found that lowering cholesterol levels in people with high blood cholesterol reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Let’s take a look at these in detail.

Types Of Cholesterol And How They Work In Your Body

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in the blood, transporting cholesterol to various parts of the body for cell repair and storage in artery walls. High LDL cholesterol levels put a person at risk of heart and blood vessel problems.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL cholesterol or High-Density Lipoprotein, is made up of cholesterol, triglycerides, and different types of proteins called apolipoproteins. The main job of HDL is to move cholesterol from tissues in the body to the liver. This helps distribute fats in the body and can reduce the risk of heart problems.

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol:

VLDL cholesterol is produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream. VLDL particles primarily transport triglycerides, a type of fat, to your tissues. VLDL cholesterol is similar to LDL cholesterol, but LDL primarily transports cholesterol to your tissues rather than triglycerides.

How To Measure Cholesterol Level

Cholesterol levels are often measured by a blood test called a lipid profile. The test checks the amount of different types of fat in the blood, including LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. A lipid profile test provides valuable information about an individual's cardiovascular health.

What Do My Cholesterol Numbers Mean?

The level of cholesterol in the blood is represented in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Here is a better way to interpret cholesterol numbers:

Cholesterol Type	Level of Health Anyone under the age of 19	Healthy Men aged 20 and up	Healthy Women aged 20 and up
Cholesterol Total	Less than 170	Less than 200	Less than 200
LDL	Less than 100	Less than 130	Less than 130
HDL	More than 45	More than 40	More than 45
Triglycerides	Less than 90	Less Than 150	Less than 150

Why Are My Cholesterol Numbers So Important?

Cholesterol levels matter for two important reasons. For starters, high blood cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Second, elevated cholesterol levels may indicate the presence of other health issues such as diabetes or thyroid disease. Cholesterol levels can also help doctors plan treatments for patients with high cholesterol levels.

Symptoms Of High Cholesterol

There are no symptoms of high cholesterol. However, high cholesterol can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. That being said, there are studies that shed light on specific instances where cholesterol imbalances may have contributed to certain disorders.

According to one study, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were linked to postpartum depression.

Another study found that severe obesity and high cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of restless legs syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder characterised by an insatiable desire to move one's legs in response to unpleasant sensations. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but one study suggests that obesity and high cholesterol may play a role in its development.

How Often Should I Get A Cholesterol Test Done?

Everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you may need to get your cholesterol checked more often.

How Can I Lower My Cholesterol?

Changes in lifestyle can help restore normal cholesterol levels. To live a happy and healthy life, it is also recommended to eat healthy, go to the gym, go for walks, do yoga, and, most importantly, eat cholesterol-lowering foods like oats, avocados, and food with Omega 3 like fish.

What Is The Unit of Measurement For Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is typically measured in milligrammes (mg) per deciliter (dL) of blood. This measurement is commonly used to assess a person's cholesterol levels and risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels?

When it comes to cholesterol levels, there are several categories that can help you determine your heart health. Total cholesterol levels of less than 200mg/dL are considered desirable, while 200-239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.

When it comes to LDL (bad) cholesterol, keeping it under 100 mg/dL is thought to be optimal for your health. A level of 100-129 mg/dL is considered near optimal, 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160-189 mg/dL is considered high, and 190 mg/dL or higher is considered very high.

When it comes to HDL (good) cholesterol levels, a value of 60 mg/dL or higher is thought to be protective against heart disease. Higher values within the range of 40-59 mg/dL are preferable. However, if your HDL cholesterol level is less than 40 mg/dL, you are at a high risk of developing heart disease. Keeping an eye on these levels can help your heart in the long run.

Cholesterol and Heart Disease: Understanding the Connection

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, according to research. According to the study, LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the artery walls, causing atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries narrow and harden. This can eventually result in a heart attack or stroke.

It is important to note that cholesterol is only one of many risk factors for heart disease, and managing other risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes is also important for overall heart health. Your healthcare provider can assist you in understanding your personal risk for heart disease and developing a plan to manage your risk factors.

Conclusion

Now that we've learned about cholesterol and its effects on our heart, we know that finding the right balance is really important. Understanding the different types of cholesterol, like LDL, HDL, and VLDL, can help us make better choices. Getting regular tests to check our cholesterol levels is like taking a snapshot of our heart's health. We can also make good choices by eating healthy foods and staying active. By doing these things, we can create a happier, healthier life for our heart.

Your Aster DM Team

At Aster DM Hospital, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels for overall well-being. Our comprehensive approach to managing cholesterol combines state-of-the-art medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centric approach to provide effective solutions.

FAQs

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