Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance present in the body's cells and blood. According to the American Heart Association, your liver and other cells create approximately 75 percent of the cholesterol in the blood, while 25 percent comes from consuming animal products. Because cholesterol cannot dissolve in the blood, it is carried to and from the cells by lipoproteins. Four types of lipids make up your total cholesterol count: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol. An elevated cholesterol level, or hypercholesterolemia, can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Low-Density Lipoprotein
LDL, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is the main carrier of cholesterol in the blood. Too much circulating LDL can accumulate in the walls of the arteries. This accumulation can contribute to atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plague that narrows the arteries. Heart attack or stroke can occur if a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery. An LDL level of 160 mg/dL and above is considered high and increases your risk of heart disease.
High-Density Lipoprotein
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as "good" cholesterol, helps slow the buildup of cholesterol by removing it from the arteries and taking it to the liver to be eliminated from the body. A low HDL level, less than 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women, increases your risk of heart disease and possibly stroke. On the other hand, high HDL levels seem to provide protection from heart attack.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat made by the body. A high total cholesterol level, including high LDLs and low HDLs, is often found in those with high triglycerides. A high triglyceride level can result from obesity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity and a diet in which 60 percent or more of total calories come from carbohydrates. High triglycerides are often found in those with diabetes and heart disease.
Lipoprotein a Cholesterol
Lipoprotein a, or Lp(a), cholesterol consists of a molecule of apolipoprotein a that is attached to LDL cholesterol. Your level of Lp(a), which is produced by the liver, is usually controlled by your genes. A high Lp(a) level increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis prematurely and of coronary heart disease. Although the exact mechanism is not known, Lp(a) may interact with substances in the artery wall in a way that leads to the buildup of fatty deposits.
Lifestyle Modifications
Limiting your intake of saturated fats and trans fats may help reduce your cholesterol level. Regular physical activity can increase HDL cholesterol and reduce your risk for heart disease. Because smoking decreases HDL cholesterol and increases the tendency of blood to clot, stopping smoking decreases your risk for heart disease. Moderate consumption of alcohol--one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women--can increase HDL cholesterol and decrease the risk for heart disease. However, because of other risks associated with alcohol consumption, the American Heart Association does not recommend that you increase your alcohol intake or start to drink if you do not already.
Warning
This advice is for nutritional education only. The information has been neither verified by the FDA nor reviewed by a medical doctor. Please consult your physician for any medically related concerns.
