Cholesterol is used in certain bodily processes such as in the production of hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. It is also necessary in the formation of cell membranes. When cholesterol levels are high, they can put an individual at risk for coronary heart disease.
Sources Of Cholesterol
Cholesterol can come from two main sources. Food is one source of cholesterol. The types of food an individual eats may increase his or her cholesterol blood levels. The other source of cholesterol is your body. The liver and other organs produce cholesterol. The body produces 75 percent of the cholesterol in the blood while the other 25 percent comes from food. Genetics play a part in cholesterol blood levels. High cholesterol levels may run in some families.
Types
There are two main types of cholesterol. They are low density lipoproteins or LDL and the high density lipoprotein or HDL. LDL is considered as bad cholesterol because it sticks to the walls of your blood vessels where it can build up to cause heart disease. HDL on the other hand is considered to be good cholesterol because it transports cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver. The cholesterol is then processed by the liver for excretion.
Effects
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that cannot dissolve in blood. It has to be transported to the cells by the lipoproteins such as LDL and HDL. Healthy blood vessels are needed to deliver oxygen and blood through out the body. The blood vessels are strong and elastic when they are healthy. High levels of cholesterol can cause deposition of fatty substances of the walls of the blood vessels. These substances can cause the blood vessels to harden and restrict blood flow when they build up in layers. This is called atherosclerosis and its effects are heart disease such as heart attack or stroke due to low blood flow to the heart or brain.
Treatment
High cholesterol levels can cause heart disease when atherosclerosis develops. There are medications that can treat this condition to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Statins and fibrates are classes of cholesterol reducing drugs. Anticoagulants, anti-platelet and anti-hypertensive drugs can be used in the management of high cholesterol levels. In severe cases, where blood supply is low to certain areas of the body, such as the heart, surgery may be performed.
Prevention/Solution
Certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing high blood cholesterol levels and heart disease. Eating a diet low in saturated fats and trans fat may help prevent elevated cholesterol levels. Exercising, not smoking, and relaxation exercises to manage stress are measures for preventing high blood cholesterol levels.
