Cholesterol: friend or foe?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that is found in the blood. It is essential for the body to function properly, but too much cholesterol can be harmful. High cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The good, the bad, and the ugly: How cholesterol affects your health Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that is found in the blood. It is essential for the body to function properly, but too much cholesterol can be harmful. High cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries and form plaque. This plaque can narrow or block the arteries, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.
You can help keep your cholesterol levels healthy by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco smoke. The key is to maintain a healthy balance.
A complete lipid profile will be ordered to find out your cholesterol levels. This includes:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Triglycerides
HDL
HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries.
What is good cholesterol? Good cholesterol refers to HDL or “high density lipoprotein” – which acts as the body’s “scavenger”. Good cholesterol collects excess LDL from blood vessels and returns it to the liver where it can be removed from your body.HDL stands for high density lipoprotein and LDL stands for low density lipoprotein. HDL is known as ‘good’ because it helps remove fatty deposits from your artery walls, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Statins are a type of medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels. They work by inhibiting an enzyme that is needed for the body to produce cholesterol. Statins have been shown to be effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. However, they can also cause side effects such as muscle pain and weakness, and they may interact with other medications.
Lipid disorders are common in adults and children in Europe , North America and Oceania. They are more common in women than men, particularly after menopause. In the UK, nearly one in 12 men and one in seven women have a total cholesterol level of six or more. Total cholesterol levels can be measured using a simple blood test.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication if your cholesterol is high. Statins are a type of medicine that can lower your LDL levels. These medicines can have side effects, so be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.