High Cholesterol and Its Consequences

Cholesterol is a fat produced by the liver and serves a very important part for your body to function normally. Cholesterol is found on the outer covering of each cell in your body and functions in many ways. It is a waxy substance being circulated in our blood stream. High levels of cholesterol are termed as hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia.

Functions of cholesterol:

1. insulates your nerve fibers

2. helps in producing bile

3. builds and maintains the outer layer of cell membranes thus preventing crystallization of hydrocarbons on the membranes

4. helps in producing estrogen and androgens

5. converts sunlight to vitamin D

6. helps the adrenal gland in producing hormones such as aldosterone, corticol, and corticosterone

7. aids in the cell permeability

8. helps in the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, K

Cholesterol transported in our blood stream are called lipoproteins. A lipoprotein is a complex or compound that contains lipids (fat) and protein. The three major types of lipoproteins are:

HDL (high- density lipoprotein) is referred to as the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol help prevent heart diseases. They help in lowering down total cholesterol levels which are the main cause of heart attacks or strokes.

LDL (low- density lipoprotein) is called “bad cholesterol”. LDL cholesterol helps in the build-up of cholesterol in our body which usually increases our risk of developing arterial diseases.

Triglycerides can be found in our body and in the food we eat as well. Triglycerides are from the calories we ingest but are not utilized by our body. Whenever your body needs energy and there is no food available, your fat cells will release triglycerides to be used as sources of energy.

High cholesterol levels are one of the major factors for increasing our risk of developing heart diseases. The higher your cholesterol level is, the greater is your risk. Excessive amounts of cholesterol in your body leads to plaque formation within your arterial walls. These plaque formations could lead to the “hardening” of your arteries wherein your arteries become narrowed and your blood circulation to the heart is slowed down or blocked. The insufficient amount of blood going to your heart also means that your heart is not receiving enough oxygen. Inadequate oxygen usually results to chest pains and when this condition lengthens, results to heart attacks.

Weight. Overweight is a risk factor for developing heart diseases. Too much fats in your body means that your cholesterol levels are also high. Losing excess weight is a big help in decreasing your LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels while elevating your HDL levels.

Food. Foods with large amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats should be avoided. Minimizing your intake of these types of food will help lower down your cholesterol.

Lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease. You need to exercise daily to lower your LDL cholesterol and elevate your HDL cholesterol. Exercise also helps you lose weight and get rid of those unwanted fats. Exercising for at least 30 minutes daily is advised.

Most people are unaware that their cholesterol levels are already high because no symptoms are manifested. Having tests to check your cholesterol levels are very important for you to be aware what actions you should do to lessen your risk for heart attacks. Low cholesterol levels are important to all of us because no matter what age, we all have a chance of developing heart ailments.

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