When you think of a healthy person, high cholesterol probably doesn't come to mind. In fact, high cholesterol is a leading risk factor in the development of chronic diseases like atherosclerosis and cancer. By controlling your cholesterol levels through lifestyle modifications, you can reduce your risk of dying from a cholesterol-related disease.
Identification
Your total cholesterol is the accumulation of all types of cholesterol in your bloodstream. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, it is best to keep total blood cholesterol under 200 mg/dl. Low density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, carries fat and cholesterol to your organs through the bloodstream. High density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, picks up cholesterol in the bloodstream and takes it to your intestines for excretion.
Research
In one of the most famous health-related studies, the Framingham Heart Study, cholesterol in relation to mortality was examined. This study, published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 1987, followed participants for 30 years. Researchers found that for every 10 mg/dl increase in cholesterol, all causes of mortality increased by 5 percent, and mortality from cardiovascular disease increased by 10 percent.
Heart Disease
One of the major factors contributing to heart disease is LDL cholesterol. Atherosclerosis is an occlusion in the coronary arteries, limiting the availability of oxygen to the heart. It begins when there is an injury to the arterial wall. In an attempt to repair the damage, white blood cells begin to congregate at the site. This makes it possible for other molecules inside the blood to begin sticking to the injury as well; one of these is LDL cholesterol. When LDL gathers on the injury, your white blood cells attempt to neutralize it through oxidation. However, this only makes it worse, and over time the buildup increases and leads to a blockage. A blocked artery can lead to a heart attack and death.
Breast Cancer
An unhealthy diet including high intakes of fat can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. According to Science Daily, high amounts of dietary cholesterol increase the growth rate of cancer cells. Under the presence of high cholesterol, breast tumors metastasize more readily and grow larger. Limiting dietary cholesterol may help keep breast cancer at bay.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is a beneficial cholesterol to have because it ultimately lowers your total cholesterol levels. According to a study published in "The New England Journal of Medicine" in 2011, the effectiveness of your HDL cholesterol can help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. For a man, HDL cholesterol should remain above 40 mg/dl, and for a woman levels should be greater than 50 mg/dl.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Cholesterol and Mortality; Keaven M. Anderson, Ph.D., et al.; 1987
- "Exercise Testing and Prescription"; David C. Nieman; 2007
- Science Daily.com: High Dietary Fat, Cholesterol Linked to Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
- Med Page Today: HDL Function Tied to Cardio Risk
