According to the South Dakota Department of Health, your body naturally produces cholesterol because it helps the body produce hormones and vitamin D. Your body also uses cholesterol, along with other substances, to aid digestion and other biological functions. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, excess cholesterol can lead to heart disease or a heart attack when plaque formed by cholesterol and fat blocks artery walls and interferes with blood circulation. Learn more about cholesterol and its effects on the body to stay healthy and alive.
Bad Cholesterol and Good Cholesterol
Cholesterol moves with the blood in bundles known as lipoproteins, and most of the cholesterol in your blood is transported by the type of cholesterol called low-density lipoproteins, or LDL. HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, is another kind of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can accumulate in the arteries and cause an obstruction that prevents blood flow. HDL is commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps the body eliminate LDL cholesterol and prevents arterial build-up. A total cholesterol level of under 200 mg/dL is considered acceptable; this figure measures both HDL and LDL levels. Because LDL is the bad type of cholesterol, it should be lower than your HDL level for good health. The measuring scale "mg/dL" stands for milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood.
Foods That Have an Effect on Cholesterol
Foods such as meats, eggs, cheese, milk and yogurt have cholesterol in them, and consuming these or other animal-derived foods excessively will likely raise your LDL level. Vegetables and fruits never contain cholesterol, and indeed no foods derived from plants can have cholesterol. Many foods actually help lower cholesterol, according to the Louisiana National Guard State Wellness and Fitness Plan website; these include apples, raw nuts like almonds and walnuts, garlic and onions, pears, oatmeal, fresh tuna, red wine, strawberries and avocados. Extra virgin oil decreases LDL and increases HDL.
Causes of High Cholesterol
According to the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, excess weight increases your risk for high cholesterol. Excess consumption of saturated fats and foods containing sugar also causes high cholesterol. Foods that are high in saturated fat include high-fat meats such as pork and lamb. Other causes include not eating enough foods that contain fiber or enough of foods that contain essential fatty acids such as salmon and other cold-water fish. Stress can also raise cholesterol levels, as does smoking.
Effects of Cholesterol Build-Up
When cholesterol and fat accumulate in the arteries, plaque forms and narrows the walls of the arteries. This prevents normal blood circulation, which is a condition known as coronary heart disease or CHD. Severely blocked arteries may cause angina, which is the chest pain commonly associated with the possibility of heart attack. When plaque breaks off and flows through the bloodstream, the result can be a blood clot. This can also cause angina, or, worse yet, a potentially fatal heart attack.
Treatment to Lower Cholesterol
High cholesterol by itself causes no symptoms, so have your cholesterol level checked by a doctor to determine if it is high. If it is, talk to your doctor about medication that can lower it. Change your diet to help lower cholesterol and avoid foods that contain saturated fat and cholesterol. Eat more foods that help lower cholesterol. Keep your weight at a healthy level and try to engage in a half hour of physical activity three to four times every week.
References
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need To Know
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Your Guide To A Healthy Heart
- Mississippi State Department of Health: Cholesterol
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol
- "Linda Page's Healthy Healing"; Linda Page; 2001
