Cholesterol, is the most important lipid in the body. All steroid hormones derive from cholesterol. Cholesterol is also a major component of our cell membranes. Cholesterol proves beneficial if its concentration is regulated in the blood. HDL and LDL are lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the blood. LDL, or "bad cholesterol", drops bits of cholesterol as it moves through the blood stream. Too much cholesterol in blood leads to atherosclerosis.
Direct Effects of High Cholesterol
Atherosclerosis, is the buildup of plaque in blood vessel walls. Plaque formation occurs gradually as we age. Plaque causes a decrease in the diameter of blood vessel wall. Decreased blood vessel wall diameter contributes to high blood pressure. Abnormalities in the ratio of lipoproteins in the blood lead high cholesterol levels in the blood. Hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol accelerates the process of atherosclerosis.
Effect of High Cholesterol on the Heart
High cholesterol accelerates the formation of atherosclerosis. High blood pressure is one result of atherosclerosis. The coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart, can be affected by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries leads to blockage of these vessels. Partial blockage the coronary artery can cause chest pain with exercise. Heart attack can result because of a blocked coronary artery.
Preventing High Cholesterol
The best way to avoid heart attack is by preventing it. A low-fat diet proves a great way to avoid heart attack. A low-fat diet reduces the amount of cholesterol that can be absorbed in from food. The Cleveland Clinic advice the use of olive oil in cooking most food and using canola oil for most baking. These oils prove low on saturated fats.
Exercise is another great way to control your cholesterol. Acute exercise leads to an increase in HDL says the American Heart Association. HDL cholesterol removes cholesterol as it flows through the blood stream.
The American Heart Association warns that moderate alcohol may lead to small increases in HDL. Moderate use of alcohol should be not more than two drinks for men and one drink for women. A drink is equivalent to a 12 oz. beer or a 4 oz. wine.
Treating High Cholesterol
Physicians determine how to treat high cholesterol by evaluating the risk for coronary artery disease. Increasing age, male gender and genetic inheritance are risk factors for coronary artery disease. When risk factors are present, its necessary to evaluate the patter of lipoproteins in the blood. Evaluation of lipoprotein pattern determines the type of treatment. Statins, inhibitors of cholesterol absorption and vitamin B3 are several medications used in treating high cholesterol.
Normal Levels of Cholesterol and Lipoproteins
Total cholesterol in the blood should be less than 200 mg/dL in the blood. Borderline cholesterol levels range between 200 mg/dL and 239 mg/dL, says the American Heart Association. High cholesterol levels include those above 240 mg/dL of blood. Ideal HDL level vary depending on sex. An HDL greater than 40 mg/dL proves ideal for men, while an HDL higher than 50 mg/dL proves ideal for women, reports the American Heart Association. When HDL is greater than 60 mg/dL its regarded as protective against coronary artery disease. LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart-Healthy Cooking: Oils 101
- American Heart Association: Alcohol, Wine and Cardiovascular Disease
- British Journal of Sports Medicine: Effects of acute exercise on high density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein subfractions in moderately trained females; P. M. Gordon, S. Fowler, V. Warty, M. Danduran, P. Visich, and S. Keteyian; 1998
- American Heart Association: Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease
