What is Cholesterol and How Does It Affect My Heart?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for our body to function properly. However, too much of it can be harmful to our health, especially if it is the "bad" type of cholesterol. In this blog article, we will discuss what good and bad cholesterol are and why it is important to maintain a healthy balance.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the blood and in every cell of our body. Our liver produces cholesterol, and we also get it from the food we eat. Cholesterol is important for our body to function properly, as it helps produce hormones, vitamin D, and helps build cell membranes.

Good Cholesterol - HDL

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the "good" cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body. HDL is believed to help protect against heart disease.

Having high levels of HDL cholesterol can lower the risk of heart disease, while low levels of HDL cholesterol can increase the risk. A level of 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher is considered good, while a level below 40 mg/dL is considered to be low.

Bad Cholesterol - LDL

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the "bad" cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body, including the arteries. When there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can build up on the walls of the arteries, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, while low levels of LDL cholesterol can decrease the risk. A level of 100 mg/dL or lower is considered optimal, while a level between 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high and a level of 160 mg/dL or higher is considered high.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are another type of fat that can be found in the blood. While they are not considered cholesterol, they are often measured along with cholesterol. High levels of triglycerides can also increase the risk of heart disease.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Cholesterol Levels?

There are several things you can do to improve your cholesterol levels, including:

1. Eat a healthy diet: Focus on a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol.

3. Quit smoking: Smoking can lower HDL cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

4. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high LDL cholesterol and heart disease.

5. Take medications: Your doctor may recommend medications such as statins to help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

In conclusion, cholesterol is a necessary substance in our body, but too much of the "bad" type can be harmful to our health. Good cholesterol (HDL) helps protect against heart disease, while bad cholesterol (LDL) can increase the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking medications can all help improve cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your cholesterol levels or if you have a family history of heart disease.