CHOLESTEROL & TRIGLYCERIDES

 

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that makes up a large part of the outer cell membrane for each and every cell in your body.

 

Why is it Important?

When your blood cholesterol level is too high, deposits can build up and cause blockages in your arteries. This build-up of cholesterol is known in the medical community as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis. People with this problem are prone to have heart disease, strokes and other circulation problems. If an artery becomes totally blocked, no blood can get through. Cells beyond the blockage which depend on that artery for fresh blood become starved for oxygen. This can be severe enough to damage these cells. If this occurs in the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the heart muscle, it could result in a heart attack. When it happens in the brain, it may lead to a stroke.

 

How Can You Monitor Your Cholesterol Levels?

Your doctor can order a blood cholesterol test to check whether you have--or are likely to develop--arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that people keep their cholesterol level below 200 milligrams per deciliter.

 

Interpreting the Results:

Total cholesterol is composed of two types of substances called lipids: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Your doctor may want to order extra tests that show the exact levels of each of these lipid types.

 

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol that tends to help reduce the amount of cholesterol deposited in the walls of your arteries. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is the "bad" cholesterol that increases your risk of these blockages. Genetic factors play a large role in determining your levels. However, other variables like diet and regular exercise can greatly impact the amount of HDL and LDL in your blood. The ratio between the two has been shown to be a good indicator of your risk for harmful cholesterol buildup in the arteries. This is known as the LDL/HDL ratio. You should talk with your doctor about your test results and learn more about your specific risk factors.

 

What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are another type of lipid or "fat." Most of the fat in your body is stored as triglycerides. If you have high triglyceride levels, you may have "hyperlipidemia" or excess triglycerides in the bloodstream. This also tends to run in families. If you have hyperlipidemia, you are more prone to heart disease than someone with low levels.

 

Causes of High Cholesterol and Triglyceride Values:

- Heart Disease

- Hyperlipidemia

- Hyperthyroidsim

- Pancreatic Disfunction

- Diabetes