All About Cholesterol
If you know what cholesterol means and how it affects your health, then you'll be better equipped to find ways to reduce the levels of cholesterol in your blood.
It is important for the normal functioning of the body that your cholesterol levels remain in check at all times.
Cholesterol is a lipid that is present in the outer covering of all the cells in the body and has a lot of functions.
It is the main sterol that is synthesized by animals, it is transported through the blood of every animal via blood cells.
In Greek, 'chole' means bile and 'steros' means solid or stiff.
Cholesterol also carries out a number of important functions in the human body, for example it helps in maintaining and building cell membranes.
Some of the other important functions include prevention of crystallization of hydrocarbons, it helps in the production of certain hormones and provides insulation for the nerve fibers, cholesterol also helps in the production of bile and is necessary for the metabolism of some fat soluble A, D and E vitamins.
Some other terms are briefly explained below: LDL: This is often known as the bad cholesterol.
The risk of arterial diseases increases many folds when the LDL level is too high.
Mostly, human blood contains 70% LDL.
It may vary from person to person.
But the LDL levels should be maintained around 70%.
HDL: Is the 'good' cholesterol.
It takes the cholesterol away from the body cells to the liver.
Triglycerides: These are the fat bodies present in the blood.
If the food we consume is not used immediately, it is converted into triglycerides and stored under the skin as fat.
In case of emergencies when the food intake of the body is low, this fat is converted into energy and used.
Cholesterol level is measured through a cholesterol test.
Your doctor may suggest a test if any predisposed condition is present.
High cholesterol symptoms may not be identified by touch or sight.
If you are suffering from arthrosclerosis, some of the high cholesterol symptoms may be revealed.
These may include narrowing of coronary arteries, pain in the leg while exercising, blood clots, ruptured plaques and xanthomas.
Any damage to the heart muscle can cause heart failure.
The doctors might prescribe some drugs to reduce cholesterol.
They may also suggest some life style changes.
There are many online health portals that give great insight on what cholesterol is and how to lower cholesterol levels.
So, reduce intake of high cholesterol foods and stay healthy.
It is important for the normal functioning of the body that your cholesterol levels remain in check at all times.
Cholesterol is a lipid that is present in the outer covering of all the cells in the body and has a lot of functions.
It is the main sterol that is synthesized by animals, it is transported through the blood of every animal via blood cells.
In Greek, 'chole' means bile and 'steros' means solid or stiff.
Cholesterol also carries out a number of important functions in the human body, for example it helps in maintaining and building cell membranes.
Some of the other important functions include prevention of crystallization of hydrocarbons, it helps in the production of certain hormones and provides insulation for the nerve fibers, cholesterol also helps in the production of bile and is necessary for the metabolism of some fat soluble A, D and E vitamins.
Some other terms are briefly explained below: LDL: This is often known as the bad cholesterol.
The risk of arterial diseases increases many folds when the LDL level is too high.
Mostly, human blood contains 70% LDL.
It may vary from person to person.
But the LDL levels should be maintained around 70%.
HDL: Is the 'good' cholesterol.
It takes the cholesterol away from the body cells to the liver.
Triglycerides: These are the fat bodies present in the blood.
If the food we consume is not used immediately, it is converted into triglycerides and stored under the skin as fat.
In case of emergencies when the food intake of the body is low, this fat is converted into energy and used.
Cholesterol level is measured through a cholesterol test.
- Less than 200 mg/dl - Normal
- Between 200 to 239 mg/dl - Borderline High
- 240 mg/dl - High Risk
Your doctor may suggest a test if any predisposed condition is present.
High cholesterol symptoms may not be identified by touch or sight.
If you are suffering from arthrosclerosis, some of the high cholesterol symptoms may be revealed.
These may include narrowing of coronary arteries, pain in the leg while exercising, blood clots, ruptured plaques and xanthomas.
Any damage to the heart muscle can cause heart failure.
The doctors might prescribe some drugs to reduce cholesterol.
They may also suggest some life style changes.
There are many online health portals that give great insight on what cholesterol is and how to lower cholesterol levels.
So, reduce intake of high cholesterol foods and stay healthy.
Source...