Cholesterol Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that
is mainly made within the body. The liver produces
it from the fats within the food we eat. Cholesterol
is something that we do need and it plays a vital
role within the body; transporting hormones,
preserving cell walls and lining nerve pathways.
However, too much cholesterol within the blood can
increase your risk of developing Coronary Heart
Disease.
Lipoproteins
Like many other chemicals cholesterol uses the blood
circulation as it's 'transportation system' and is
carried on groups of proteins. the combinations of
cholesterol and proteins are known as
lipoproteins.
There are 2 main forms of lipoprotein; Low
Density Lipoproteins (LDL)and High
Density Lipoproteins (HDL). LDL's (bad
cholesterol) carry cholesterol from the liver to the
cells, HDL's (good cholesterol) remove excess
cholesterol from the blood stream to the liver. A
low level of HDL and high level of LDL can increase
the risk of developing CHD.
Why are cholesterol levels important? Increased levels of cholesterol play a role
in the development of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).
CHD is caused when the blood vessels to the heart,
the coronary arteries, become narrowed by a gradual
build up of fatty materials within their walls. This
condition is called 'atherosclerosis'; the fatty
substance is called 'atheroma'. Atheroma develops
when bad LDL cholesterol is chemically changed and
is taken up by the cells in the coronary artery
walls and the narrowing process begins.
HDL (good) cholesterol removes cholesterol from the
circulation and appears to protect against CHD. The
ratio of HDL to LDL in the blood stream is
important. Ideally you will have a lower level of
LDL and a higher level of HDL to reduce your risk of
developing CHD.
How do I improve or maintain my cholesterol level? For the majority of the population
cholesterol can be controlled through simple
lifestyle factors. Having a diet which is low in
saturated fats and higher in mono & polyunsaturated
fats; quitting smoking; getting regular exercise;
and controlling stress levels are all ways to keep
your heart healthier.
