Cholesterol is an organic substance present in the body. It is made up of components known as a sterol. It plays a major role in the body by synthesizing hormones, vitamin D, and other important substances. Also, it helps in making cell membranes and cell structures. Though it deals with the essential component making, too much of it is hazardous to health.
Four different types of cholesterol have been categorized based on their role and function. These are:
A test known as lipid profile is taken to confirm the presence of these cholesterols. People above 20 years of age are advised to take a lipid profile test at least once in two years. Cholesterol is not entirely bad, nor it is entirely good. Let us read a little more on the 4 categories.
According to ReliableMedRx, LDL cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is commonly known as ‘bad cholesterol’. These cholesterols get accumulated in the inner walls of the arteries. Arteries carry high-pressure oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Hence it requires thick-walled tubes with a widened radius. The LDL gets accumulated and narrows down the passage for the blood to flow through. This leads to a severe heart disease known as arteriosclerosis. Hence this cholesterol must always have low quantities.
Typically if your LDL cholesterol rating is above 190, then you should be visiting a doctor. The doctor will prescribe the necessary tablets containing statins. These statins remove the blocks and lower LDL levels. In addition to the tablets, you will be advised to change your food habits and be encouraged to exercise more.
HDL cholesterol or the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is commonly known as the ‘good cholesterol’. Here it basically does the job of statins. HDL dilutes the bad cholesterol levels. It removes the bad cholesterol from the arteries. Thus it is usually preferred in high quantities. Higher its score, better for the human body.
Triglycerides are commonly called fats. The excess of fat which we get out of our food is stored in the form of Triglycerides. Fats are essential for lubrication purposes in our bodies. However, a higher amount of fat can lead to additional problems, most importantly coronary artery disease.
The total cholesterol is the measure of LDL, HDL, and other lipid proteins. Though cholesterol has the limiting value, it depends on person to person considering other factors such as weight, lifestyle, etc.
We have now read about the major types of cholesterol and its functions. As mentioned before, the cholesterol risks depend from person to person. However, if the score has crossed the limiting line it is advised to consult the doctor. You will then be given a 10-year heart risk analysis.
But don’t worry. All problems have solutions. These cholesterols can be kept in check by changing your lifestyle. Changing the lifestyle doesn’t mean changing your appearance or so. The change means measures to modify your eating pattern and the inclusion of exercise within your lifestyle.
All being said, cholesterol cannot leave you on your deathbed easily. Though it creates certain health issues when left unhandled, it can always be kept under control by following the abovementioned methods. People with bad cholesterols are advised to take more of unsaturated fats as this leads to the production of more good cholesterol components. Here are some foods which you should probably avoid:
