Cholesterol is something the body makes on its own. Our bodies need cholesterol, but cholesterol in excess can pose serious health problems and can even cause death. Cholesterol can be considered a silent enemy if it builds up in the arteries because, like a dam, it can block blood flow to the heart and cause coronary heart disease. It is important that people know about cholesterol to stay healthy.
Step 1
First identify cholesterol. You could say cholesterol is physical matter that looks like a cross between wax and fat and that the cells in your body contain cholesterol so the body can perform in a normal manner.
Step 2
Mention that since blood is a liquid and cholesterol is made up of fat that does not mingle well with blood, lipoproteins of two types do the job of encapsulating cholesterol so that cholesterol can move through the bloodstream.
Step 3
Talk about how low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, does the important job of transporting cholesterol via the bloodstream and that since LDLs may accumulate on artery walls, they are considered bad as they can narrow the opening in an artery and cause heart disease. Also explain that the other type of lipoprotein called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is favorable and transports cholesterol to the liver for removal.
Step 4
Mention that triglycerides are another type of fat that is found in the blood, but in a small amount. Explain that triglycerides are contained within fat tissue and that almost all of the fat in your body is made up of triglycerides.
Step 5
Talk about the dangers of cholesterol and that cholesterol that accumulates along artery walls is known as plaque. Make it clear that when the buildup of plaque inside the arteries causes the opening in the arteries to become smaller, the resulting condition is called atherosclerosis. Also explain that plaque will break open sometime and emit cholesterol and fat. When this happens there is the possibility the cholesterol, together with the fat, will create a blood clot that may result in angina. In cases such as this, it is not uncommon for a heart attack to occur.
Step 6
Describe how taking a blood test that measures your low-density lipoproteins, your high-density lipoproteins and your triglycerides can check your cholesterol level and that if your cholesterol level is high (200 mg/dL or above) it will need to be brought down to a safe level with the help of a healthy diet, weight management, exercise and/or prescription medication.
