Cholesterol: Causes, Risk factors and Preventive measures.

Cholesterol: Causes, Risk factors and Preventive measures-Cholesterol is a white, waxy, fatty substance. It is made in the liver and released into the bloodstream. You can also get cholesterol from the food you eat. It is a type of fat found in the bloodstream. Your body needs some cholesterol to work effectively. Cholesterol has many good uses, but is a problem when there is too much of it in the blood.Types of Cholesterol

HDL High-density lipoprotein

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is sometimes called good cholesterol.

HDL protects you against heart disease by carrying the extra cholesterol out of your arteries, which lowers your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

The more HDL you have, the better. Exercise can also increase your good cholesterol.

LDL Low-density lipoprotein

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is sometimes called bad cholesterol.

LDL leads to a build-up of bad fat in the artery walls, which can lead to chest pain, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and kidney and circulation problems.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are often present in people who have diabetes or alcoholism. They increase the risk of heart disease.

Total Cholesterol

The total blood cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipid components. Doctor will use your total cholesterol number when determining your risk for heart disease and how best to manage it.

High blood cholesterol is a condition in which you have too much cholesterol in your blood. By itself, the condition usually has no signs or symptoms. Thus, many people don’t know that their cholesterol levels are too high.  People who have high blood cholesterol have a greater chance of getting coronary heart disease, also called coronary artery disease.

The higher the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood, the GREATER your chance is of getting heart disease. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol in your blood, the LOWER your chance is of getting heart disease.

Coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary (heart) arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis.

What causes high cholesterol?

Foods high in saturated and trans fat increase cholesterol levels. Saturated and trans fats are found mainly in:

Fatty meats

Full cream dairy products (e.g. milk, cream, cheese and butter)

Deep-fried take-away foods

Baked products (e.g. biscuits and pastries)

You should limit the amount of foods you eat that contain saturated and trans fats.

Being overweight or obese can also lead to higher blood LDL levels.

Genetics can contribute to high cholesterol – very high LDL levels are found in the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia.

Abnormal cholesterol levels can also arise due to other conditions, including:

Diabetes

Liver or kidney disease

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Pregnancy and other conditions that increase levels of female hormones

Underactive thyroid gland

Drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol (progestins, anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids)

Risk factors affects cholesterol levels

Diet. Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat make your blood cholesterol level go up.

Weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. It also tends to increase your cholesterol.

Physical Activity. Not being physically active is a risk factor for heart disease.

Age and Gender. As women and men get older, their cholesterol levels rise.

Heredity. Your genes partly determine how much cholesterol your body makes.

Cigarette smoking

High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg).

Signs and symptoms

Having high cholesterol levels, while a risk factor for other conditions, does not itself present any signs or symptoms. Unless routinely screened through regular blood testing, high cholesterol levels will go unnoticed and could present a silent threat of heart attack or stroke.

Effects of High level cholesterol in blood

Stroke Coronary heart disease High blood pressure Chest pain