Cholesterol: When we hear this name, one thought often comes to mind: it is harmful to the body. But the story is not that simple. Cholesterol is essential for the formation of our cells, hormones, and vitamin D. Problems begin when its balance is imbalanced in the body, especially when harmful LDL cholesterol begins to rise.
The biggest difficulty is that high cholesterol often rises silently. There is no pain and no specific symptoms appear. Often, the first warning comes in the form of a heart attack or stroke.
According to a recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), some kind of abnormality in lipid level was found in 87.3% of adults in the country. Of these, approximately 355 million people do not suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. In such a situation, it is important to understand what cholesterol is and what its high levels mean.
So today we will talk about cholesterol in detail. We will also learn about-
- What is the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol?
- What are the common myths about cholesterol and their truth?
Expert – Dr Amit Singh, Consultant Cardiologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance. It is present in every cell of the body. It is necessary for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids (the acid that digests food).
What is the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat. It cannot spread in blood alone. Therefore, it combines with protein to form “lipoprotein”. In this form, it reaches the entire body. Lipoproteins are mainly of two types-
1. LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
- It’s called “bad cholesterol.”
- It transports cholesterol from the liver to the body’s cells and other parts.
- When its level rises in the blood, it begins to accumulate in the arteries.
- This leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which impedes blood flow.
- This leads to a heart attack or stroke.
2. HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
- It is called “good cholesterol.”
- It works as a cleaner.
- It collects cholesterol accumulated in the arteries and returns it to the liver, where the liver expels it from the body.
- The better your HDL intake, the lower your risk of heart disease.
Where does cholesterol come from in the body?
It has two main sources –
- Most of the body’s cholesterol (about 80%) is produced by the liver itself.
- A small amount (about 20%) comes from food. Its main sources are animal foods such as meat, chicken, eggs, fish, butter, ghee, cheese, and whole milk.
Is cholesterol the enemy of the body?
No, the truth is the opposite. The problem is not the cholesterol itself, but rather its imbalance. When the level of bad cholesterol in the blood becomes excessive, it begins to accumulate in the arteries. This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
What are the important functions that cholesterol performs in the body?
Cholesterol in balanced quantities helps in many important body functions. See all his jobs in drawing-
How is cholesterol checked?
To detect this, a “lipid profile” blood test is performed. In the test, 4 main components of blood are measured-
- Total cholesterol: Total amount of cholesterol in the blood.
- HDL (good cholesterol): Cholesterol is good for the heart.
- LDL (bad cholesterol): Harmful cholesterol that accumulates in the arteries.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood, a high level of which increases the risk of heart disease.
What is the normal range for lipid profile?
According to cardiologist Dr. Amit Singh, the normal range of lipid profile in adults is usually as follows-
Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
LDL (bad cholesterol): Less than 100 mg/dL.
HDL (good cholesterol): 40-80 (men), 50-80 (women)
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL.
When does cholesterol become dangerous?
When blood cholesterol levels remain higher than normal for a long time, it becomes a health risk. At first, there are no symptoms. But gradually, the arteries become damaged, and the risk of a heart attack or stroke increases.
Which of our habits increase the risk of high cholesterol?
Many bad daily habits can increase bad cholesterol. like-
- Sitting continuously for a long time.
- Eating an unhealthy diet.
- Not exercising regularly.
- Not keeping weight under control.
- Not getting enough sleep.
- It took a lot of stress.
- smoking.
- Drink alcohol.
What foods increase bad cholesterol?
Foods high in saturated and trans fats increase bad cholesterol in the blood. See full list in graphic-
What foods increase good cholesterol?
Yes, eating foods rich in healthy fats and fiber can help increase good cholesterol.
What are the common myths about cholesterol and what are they true?
There are many misconceptions about cholesterol. For this reason, people sometimes do not get tested on time or do not make necessary lifestyle changes. Learn the truth about common myths related to cholesterol.
What to do if cholesterol increases?
First, consult your doctor and show him your lipid profile report. In addition, make the necessary changes in diet and lifestyle.
If your cholesterol is not controlled by these changes, your doctor may prescribe medications such as statins. These medicines should always be taken only on the advice of a doctor.
What is a statin drug?
These are medications that reduce the process of cholesterol formation in the liver. This helps reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It should only be taken on the advice of a doctor.
Can cholesterol be controlled without statins?
Yes, some people can lower their cholesterol through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight control.
What lifestyle changes are needed for this?
Understand this using indicators-
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Do brisk walking or other aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes a week.
- Do strength training two days a week.
- If you are overweight, reduce it gradually.
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep daily.
- Practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress.
- Quit smoking and do not drink alcohol.
- Perform lipid level tests regularly as advised by your doctor.
