CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is the most prominent member of steroid family of lipids. It is found principally in animals and humans, where it is also the main sterol. All types of cells and other body fluids contain some cholesterol, either in the free form or as storage form. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The average level of cholesterol should range from 200-300 mg/dL.

 

Why cholesterol is important?

Cholesterol is an amphipathic lipid. It is found in the lipids in the bloodstream and in our body cells. It is used to form cell membranes and human skin barrier. It is also useful in synthesizing vitamin – D.

 

Types of cholesterol

According to the rate of lipoproteins, cholesterol is divided in to two types: HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

 

• HDL cholesterol: HDL – high density lipoprotein- It is considered as the good cholesterol, as a high level of HDL protects against heart attack and stroke. It brings back cholesterol to the liver. The level of HDL cholesterol can range from 40 or more.
• LDL cholesterol: LDL – low-density lipoprotein- It is considered as the bad cholesterol .Too much of LDL cholesterol circulating the blood can slowly form plaque, which blocks blood flow and forms a clot. The formation of clot in the blood vessels near heart can cause a heart attack. The level of LDL cholesterol should be less than 100.

Metabolism of cholesterol

Eighty percent of cholesterol is oxidized by the liver and another twenty percent of cholesterol is secreted from the digestive tract.

Factors influencing cholesterol levels are: - Age, Weight and its body location, Gender, Genetics, Diseases and Lifestyle.

 

Risk factors associated with the high cholesterol level:

High cholesterol level is mainly caused from diet, but heredity does play any role in increasing the level of cholesterol. Lack of regular exercise can produce higher levels of HDL cholesterol, which results in heart disease.

 

Prevention:

As there is no particular treatment available for this disorder, we can control high cholesterol level by having,
Healthy whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, egg whites, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.
Avoid fatty products and regular exercise for 20-30 minutes.
Avoid alcohol use and quit smoking.
Measuring cholesterol concentration is of clinical and analytical importance as high levels of plasma cholesterol are associated with cardiac vascular diseases.