Facts about cholesterol

Facts about cholesterol

The total blood cholesterol is a measure of the different components of cholesterol:

A)    LDL(low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol

B)    HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol

C)    VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) transports triglyceride in the blood

Different kinds of cholesterol

LDL (low density-lipoprotein) cholesterol – community known as bad cholesterol. LDL accumulates on the walls of arteries this can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease. Listed below is the different LDL levels for people with no heart disease.

LDL cholesterol level is:

• Optimal- below 100mg/dl

• Near optimal- 100 to 129 mg/dl

• High- 160-189 mg/dl

• Very high- equal or greater than 190 mg/dl

For people with heart disease the LDL should be below 70 mg/dl. For patients with diabetes or risk factors for heart disease the LDL should be less than 190 mg/dl.

HDL (High-density lipoprotein) cholesterol – commonly known as good cholesterol. HDL is protective against heart disease because it keeps the bad cholesterol out of the blood and prevents it from accumulating in the arteries. An HDL cholesterol level is low if it is below 40 mg/dl, this is also a risk factor of heart disease. HDL level is good if it is 60 mg/dl or higher, this decreases a person’s risk of getting heart disease.

Triglycerides are the form in which most fat exists in our food and your body. These are transported by chylomicron and VLDL. VLDL comes from the liver and also has cholesterol. Chylomicrons come from dietary fat.

Plasma lipids are formed by cholesterol and triglycerides. Elevated trigylcerides has been linked to coronary artery disease. Trigylcerides are also measures in the lipid profile. These measurements should be made after an overnight fast. The different triglyceride levels are:

• Normal- below 150mg/dl

• Borderline high- 150-199mg/dl

• High- 200-499

• Very high- 500mg/dl or higher

Who should have a lipid profile?

Everyone above the age of 20 years should get their cholesterol levels measured at least once every five years.

The lipid profile includes:

• Total cholesterol level

• HDL

•LDL

• Triglycerides

• VLDL

Factors that can affect cholesterol levels:

Age- As people get older, cholesterol levels become higher.

Gender- Before menopause women usually have lower total cholesterol levels, higher HDL than men of the same age. After menopause, a woman’s LDL levels usually rise.

Diet- Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat increase cholesterol levels. Reducing saturates fat and cholesterol intake will help lower your blood cholesterol level.

Weight- Overweight people are at higher risk for developing heart disease and elevated cholesterol. Losing weight can lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as raise HDL.

Exercise- Regular exercise for about 30 minutes most days of the week lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. 

Heredity- Genes can affect cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol can run in families.

References:

Braurwald Heart Disease 7th ed.
Section of Cardiology, The Medical City

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help 

For any inquiries or if you would want to seek consult, please call:

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Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 or (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6243

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