Cholesterol is one of many substances produced by your body to support basic functions. You can also find cholesterol in a variety of food sources. Several disorders can result from your body’s failure to properly produce and synthesize cholesterol, including heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, AHA, high cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Cholesterol Synthesis
Cholesterol is a fundamental biological molecule that plays several critical functions in your body. Your body requires cholesterol to support the structure of your cell membranes and also functions as a precursor for the synthesis of the steroid hormones and bile acids. According to the book, “The Great Cholesterol Con: The Truth About What Really Causes Heart Disease and How to Avoid it,” approximately half of the circulating cholesterol in your body derives from your own production. Your internal cholesterol synthesis starts with a molecule known as acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA undergoes a series of reactions with different parts of the cell and eventually becomes cholesterol.
What You Should Know About Cholesterol
In simple terms, there is good and bad cholesterol. When an unbalance of these good and bad cholesterols occurs, you put yourself at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. High-density lipoprotein, HDL, is the good cholesterol, and it has the ability to keep the low-density lipoprotein, bad cholesterol, from accumulating in your artery walls. When your body has adequate HDL levels, you can help to protect yourself against heart attack and stroke.
Risk of High Cholesterol Levels
Your body naturally produces both types of cholesterol. However, some individuals inherit genes from their parents that cause them to produce too much of the bad LDL. Dietary habits can also influence cholesterol levels. That’s why you should avoid eating excess amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and dietary cholesterol. If other members of your family have high LDL blood cholesterol levels, you should consult with your doctor about lifestyle modifications and drug therapy to control your cholesterol levels.
Prevention
The AHA clearly states that too much cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the AHA recommends lifestyle modifications such as a heart-friendly diet, exercise and not smoking as key elements of prevention. Further, the AHA states that you should understand the difference between healthy fats and unhealthy fats since the unhealthy fats can directly lead to higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of developing heart problems.
References
- The Medical Biochemistry: Introduction to Cholesterol Metabolism
- American Heart Association: Why Cholesterol Matters
- American Heart Association: About Cholesterol
- "Prevent a Second Heart Attack"; Janet Bond Brill and Annabelle S. Volgman; 2011
- "The Great Cholesterol Con"; Dr, Malcolm Kendrick; 2008
