On Cholesterol : The Good and The Bad

For decades research has associated high cholesterol levels with increased risks of heart problems. Although it’s not all bad. In healthy levels, these waxy substances are needed in the formation of cell membranes and in making hormones, fat-soluble vitamins and even bile. But too much of it can cause a cascade of harmful effects on the body but specifically, the one most dangerous is its impact on one’s heart. 

Cholesterol: The Good & Bad

So you’ve probably heard of the infamous trio: HDL, LDL & triglycerides. Cholesterol is carried through your blood, attached to proteins. This is because cholesterol can’t purely mix with blood. We further breakdown what they’re all about and how they function. 

HDL is an abbreviation for its more scientific name, high-density lipoprotein. Unlike its evil twin (LDL), this “ good” cholesterol acts somewhat as a scavenger picking up the bad cholesterol in arteries and back to the liver. Although, there is a catch. Only one-third or one-fourth of blood cholesterol is reabsorbed. 

Additionally, research links healthy levels of HDL with protection against heart attack and stroke.

LDL, the evil twin -also known as low-density lipoprotein. In high levels, they accumulate in arteries causing a condition called atherosclerosis. What instigates a heart attack is when these fat deposits end up in arteries supplying blood to the heart. What’s more, these deposits can break suddenly and form clots that may provoke conditions such as a pulmonary embolism and even a stroke. 

Triglycerides are derived from the fats in the food we eat. Our bodies convert unused calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. The body later excretes a certain type of hormone to release energy in between meals. If you’re the type to consume more calories than you burn, you should be wary as you may be opening yourself up to a condition called hypertriglyceridemia.

So, here’s a quick recap – cholesterol is essential in building cells & creating hormones. On the other hand, triglycerides are necessary for providing the body with energy and storing excess calories. 

Atherosclerosis

Now, onto why it’s so bad for the heart. 

Imagine arteries as this soft somewhat narrow tubing. Then, imagine this soft tubing progressively hardened from the accumulation of plaque. No more flexible, no softer but most importantly not able to carry blood at full capacity. 

This narrowing not only causes blood to move at a higher pressure it also restricts blood flow to important organs. In instances when these plaques rupture, a “travelling” clot may form occluding important arteries. Consequently, conditions as mentioned earlier i.e pulmonary embolisms and strokes can occur. 

Although, this isn’t the only form of complication that can occur. High cholesterol levels expose individuals to diabetes, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and even pancreatitis. One other thing to look out is if high blood cholesterol is something that runs in your family 

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

A genetic disorder that causes blood LDL level to be very high. A defect on chromosome 19 causes the body incapable of removing LDL. Consequently, exposing these individuals to heightened risk in developing the conditions mentioned above.  

Usually, children and young adults from such families but with no risk factors for heart disease, undergo tests once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between the ages of 17 and 19.

Conclusion 

Finally, this high cholesterol condition is one that is reversible in the early stages. A mindful eating, active lifestyle and good sleep are all key factors that influence the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Consult your cardiologist and ask them of the best treatment options in staying one step ahead of this condition. 

Tags

• cholesterol
• eat healthy
• fitness
• HDL
• heart
• heart attack
• heart disease
• Heart health
• hypercholesterolemia
• LDL
• lipids
• triglycerides