|
Cholesterol is
an essential component of many vital
organic molecules within the body, such
as cellular membranes, steroid hormones
(estrogen and testosterone), and
bile acids. Cholesterol is a fatty
substance made in the liver and is
synthesized according to the body's
needs and specific requirements.
|
 |
However, abnormally
high levels of blood
cholesterol
(hypercholesterolemia), can be
caused by dietary, lifestyle, and
genetic factors. High blood
cholesterol can build-up
cholesterol-filled plaque in the
arteries. This process is linked to coronary
heart disease (CHD), heart attack,
and strokes. Other risk factors for
high blood cholesterol include low
thyroid function (hypothryroidism),
physical inactivity, obesity, and
smoking.
Cholesterol is
transported to and from the cells by
special lipoprotein carriers;
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and
high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
-
LDL is called the
"bad" form of cholesterol,
because it's the main source of
cholesterol accumulation in the
blood vessels to the heart and
brain. The higher the LDL blood
cholesterol (greater than 160
mg/dL), the greater the risk of
CHD. Patients with heart disease
need to maintain an LDL
cholesterol level of less than 100
mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
-
HDL is called the
"good" form of cholesterol,
because it doesn't form
cholesterol-filled plaque in the
arteries. Instead, HDL picks up
cholesterol from the arteries and
carries it back to the liver for
disposal from the body. A high HDL
blood cholesterol may protect
against heart disease. Patients
with a low HDL level (less than 35
mg/dL) have a higher risk of both
heart attack and stroke.
Since there are often
no overt symptoms in the early
stages of high cholesterol,
it's important to have cholesterol
levels measured at five year
intervals after the age of 20,
especially if you are at risk for
the development of coronary heart
disease. The risk factors for CHD
include:
-
Family history of
heart disease
-
Men 45 years or
older
-
Women 55 years or
older (or premature menopause
without estrogen replacement
therapy)
-
High blood pressure
-
High LDL "bad"
cholesterol
-
Low HDL "good"
cholesterol
-
Cigarette smoking
-
Diabetes mellitus
-
Physical inactivity
-
Obesity
According to the
National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) (1):
-
18 percent of
adults age 20 years and over have
high serum cholesterol
-
The mean serum
cholesterol level for adults age
20 years and over, is 203 mg/dL.
-
Cholesterol screenings
should be ordered
at 5.2 percent of doctor's visits.
|
Learn More About
Cholesterol |
|
