CHOLESTEROL : Facts You Must Know

It is described as a fat like substance that is found in every cell of body . Yes, it is necessary for some of the body processes like-

• Hormone production

• Vitamin D

• Digestion process

• Contribution in structure of cell wall

But due to its properties of getting mixed with other substances , results in formation of PLAQUE. This gets attached to the walls of arteries leading to ARTHEROSCLEROSIS progressing to CAD (Coronary Arterial Disease ), wherein arteries become narrow or blocked .

Types

LDL

• (Low Density Lipoproteins)

• Helps to buildup in the arteries

HDL

• (High Density Lipoproteins)

• Carries cholesterol from other parts to liver

Health Problems Due To Rise In Cholesterol

• Plaque deposit Continuous

• Area of plaque can rupture

• Formation of blood clot

• Enlargement of clot leading to blockage

• Blood flow ceased to coronary artery therby reduction in O2 rich blood to heart muscle

• ANGINA (chest pain)

• HEART ATTACK

• Can reduce/block arteries supplying blood to brain and limbs

• Carotid Artery Disease/ Stroke/ PAD(peripheral arterial disease)

Factors affecting CL levels:

• AGE : proportionally related.

• HEREDITY : can run in families .

• WEIGHT : obesity / overweight .

Must Do:

This doesn't present any symptoms.

• Getting CL levels measured once every 5 years (as it can go unnoticed thus presenting silent threat of Heart Attack or Stroke)

• Therapeutic lifestyle changes - low CL diet, weight management, regular physical activity

• CL lowering supplements- e.g. Statins

• Flax seed & flax seed oil

• Garlic

• Grape seed extract

• Green tea

Tests For Prevention:

• Blood test --- lipid panel

• Cholesterol test - HDL test, LDL test

About Author:

Dr. Supriya Shekhar, Singapore. Active member and co-founder Your Health-Key.

#Cholestrol #HDL #LDL